Defiance Is Out, Deference Is in: Trump Returns to a Different Washington As Donald J. Trump prepares to take the oath of office for a second time, much of the world seems to be bowing down to him and demoralized opponents are rethinking the future.

Trump’s Nominees Pose Dilemma for Senate G.O.P., Testing Their Deference The president-elect’s choice of combative loyalists who could have trouble being confirmed has raised constitutional questions about executive power and the Senate’s prerogatives.