A buoyant Trump believes he has a mandate to hit the ground running as he revels behind closed doors

After his victory in the 2024 election, President-elect Donald Trump has been reflecting on his win with a buoyant and forward-looking mindset. Sources close to Trump describe him as feeling emboldened by the popular vote win, with a new sense of purpose as he prepares to take office. This contrasts with his mindset in 2017 when he entered the White House amid uncertainty and challenges to his legitimacy. With over 4 million more votes than his opponent, Trump now feels as though he has a clear mandate to implement his policy agenda, and he’s approaching his new term with a confidence that was not present in his first.

Trump’s transition into office this time around has been marked by a sense of excitement and gratitude. He has praised the efforts of his campaign co-chairs, Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, and is especially proud of his performance among minority voters. During discussions with top aides, world leaders, and business CEOs, Trump has expressed pride in his campaign’s success, often remarking on his achievement in winning the popular vote. He also shared his optimism for what lies ahead, noting the exciting events during his presidency, such as the World Cup and the Olympics, which he looks forward to overseeing.

The sense of respect and recognition that Trump is receiving from leaders around the world has further bolstered his confidence. Having spoken with several foreign heads of state, many of whom were already in contact with him after his first term, Trump feels appreciated for his political success and leadership. He is reveling in the positive feedback and recognition from his international peers, something that had been notably absent during his first term, when his presidency was overshadowed by an FBI investigation into Russian election interference.

Trump has also been spending a considerable amount of time at his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago, meeting with donors, supporters, and foreign dignitaries. Recently, he spent time with Elon Musk, the owner of X, who was visiting with his children. Trump joked about Musk potentially joining his administration but acknowledged that Musk would likely decline the offer. Despite the jovial atmosphere, Trump is not slowing down. His immediate priority is assembling his Cabinet and senior White House staff, a process he is approaching with greater attention to detail than he did during his first term.

In private conversations, Trump has admitted that he made mistakes in his hiring decisions during his first presidency, with some staff members who were more familiar with Washington D.C. taking control of staffing decisions. Now, however, he is taking a more active role in selecting competent and loyal individuals for top positions. Trump has expressed a desire to have a hands-on approach this time, making sure he selects people who are aligned with his vision and who can help him achieve his policy goals.

One of the first areas Trump is focusing on is energy policy. Sources close to him say he is preparing executive orders aimed at removing restrictions on energy exploration and cutting energy regulations. Trump has long been a supporter of increasing U.S. energy production, and he sees this as one of the key areas where he can immediately take action upon taking office.

The popular vote win has also provided Trump with a sense of clarity, and advisers believe it has given him a mandate to move forward with his political priorities without worrying about alienating large sections of the electorate. Trump’s campaign adviser Jason Miller described the popular vote victory as a game-changer, asserting that it gives the president-elect the confidence to push forward with his economic policies and efforts to secure the U.S. border.

Despite his newfound confidence, Trump has remained in close communication with his team of advisers, seeking their input on Cabinet selections and the specifics of his first 100 days in office. He has held several meetings with his transition team and spoke with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris about a smooth transition. Trump said his conversations with both Biden and Harris were respectful and amicable, setting a positive tone for the transition process.

While many may expect Trump to return to his familiar routine of golfing after the intense election season, Trump has refrained from playing since the second assassination attempt against him. Sources indicate that Trump understands the gravity of the security situation and is not planning to golf in the near future. However, he is expected to make use of the golf courses at Andrews Air Force Base, as former President Barack Obama did during his tenure.

As Trump prepares for his second term, it is clear that he feels more in control, more confident, and more focused on executing his agenda. His sense of purpose and determination is evident as he looks to tackle the challenges ahead and deliver on the promises he made to the American people.