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Trump presidency: Your questions answered Trump presidency: Your questions answered
(about 1 hour later)
Donald Trump's election as the next US president, along with a Republican-controlled Congress, brings with it an avalanche of questions about the election itself - and about what happens next.Donald Trump's election as the next US president, along with a Republican-controlled Congress, brings with it an avalanche of questions about the election itself - and about what happens next.
From health insurance to same-sex marriage, global warming and Obamacare - American citizens and people around the world want to know what the future will hold under the new administration. Here we tackle some of the questions being raised online and by BBC audiences.From health insurance to same-sex marriage, global warming and Obamacare - American citizens and people around the world want to know what the future will hold under the new administration. Here we tackle some of the questions being raised online and by BBC audiences.
How many people voted in the US election?How many people voted in the US election?
Election officials do not finalise the data until about two weeks after polling day. But the US Elections Project estimates that 128.8m Americans voted, out of 231.5m eligible voters - a turnout rate of 55.6%. In 2012, turnout was 58.6%, and in 2008 it was 62.2%.Election officials do not finalise the data until about two weeks after polling day. But the US Elections Project estimates that 128.8m Americans voted, out of 231.5m eligible voters - a turnout rate of 55.6%. In 2012, turnout was 58.6%, and in 2008 it was 62.2%.
Who won the popular vote?Who won the popular vote?
Hillary Clinton looks set to win the popular vote by a narrow margin.Hillary Clinton looks set to win the popular vote by a narrow margin.
The latest count shows that Mrs Clinton won 60,122,876 votes, which amounted to 47.7% of the total, compared with Donald Trump's 59,821,874 votes, or 47.5%.The latest count shows that Mrs Clinton won 60,122,876 votes, which amounted to 47.7% of the total, compared with Donald Trump's 59,821,874 votes, or 47.5%.
However, the system under which the US elects its president means that candidates need to win races in individual states to pick up "Electoral College" votes. As a result of victories in key "swing" states (those more likely to change hands from election to election) carrying large numbers of Electoral College votes, Mr Trump won 279 Electoral College votes - comfortably ahead of Mrs Clinton's 228.However, the system under which the US elects its president means that candidates need to win races in individual states to pick up "Electoral College" votes. As a result of victories in key "swing" states (those more likely to change hands from election to election) carrying large numbers of Electoral College votes, Mr Trump won 279 Electoral College votes - comfortably ahead of Mrs Clinton's 228.
Other candidates polled 6,116,253 votes.Other candidates polled 6,116,253 votes.
How old were the candidates?How old were the candidates?
To answer one of the most-asked questions on Google Trends - Donald Trump is 70 and Hillary Clinton is 69.To answer one of the most-asked questions on Google Trends - Donald Trump is 70 and Hillary Clinton is 69.
When does Trump take office?When does Trump take office?
He will be inaugurated at noon on Friday, 20 January 2017. In the meantime he will name his team, develop policy positions, and have access to government briefings, including classified information on national security and military operations.He will be inaugurated at noon on Friday, 20 January 2017. In the meantime he will name his team, develop policy positions, and have access to government briefings, including classified information on national security and military operations.
Will President Trump live in the White House?Will President Trump live in the White House?
In an interview with The Hill website last year, Mr Trump appeared to scotch rumours that he would break with long tradition and not live in the presidential residence and principal workplace in Washington DC.In an interview with The Hill website last year, Mr Trump appeared to scotch rumours that he would break with long tradition and not live in the presidential residence and principal workplace in Washington DC.
"Yes, I would live in the White House because it's the appropriate thing to do," he said. He went further, adding that he would "rarely leave the White House because there's so much work to be done"."Yes, I would live in the White House because it's the appropriate thing to do," he said. He went further, adding that he would "rarely leave the White House because there's so much work to be done".
Since Mr Trump won Tuesday's election, the Federal Aviation Administration has implemented flight restrictions over the area of his home on New York's Manhattan island that expire on 21 January, the day after his planned inauguration and expected move to the White House.Since Mr Trump won Tuesday's election, the Federal Aviation Administration has implemented flight restrictions over the area of his home on New York's Manhattan island that expire on 21 January, the day after his planned inauguration and expected move to the White House.
Will Trump continue to run his businesses when president?Will Trump continue to run his businesses when president?
Apparently not. In an interview with CNN, Donald Trump's lawyer said the privately owned Trump Organization - a company with US and international holdings including hotels, golf courses and commercial and residential property - would be held in a "blind trust" run by Mr Trump's adult children Donald Junior, Ivanka and Eric.Apparently not. In an interview with CNN, Donald Trump's lawyer said the privately owned Trump Organization - a company with US and international holdings including hotels, golf courses and commercial and residential property - would be held in a "blind trust" run by Mr Trump's adult children Donald Junior, Ivanka and Eric.
Whether such an arrangement constitutes a true blind trust that avoids conflicts of interest is being questioned by critics, as Mr Trump will still be aware of his business holdings and how policies might affect them, and direct relatives will be running them on a day-to-day basis.Whether such an arrangement constitutes a true blind trust that avoids conflicts of interest is being questioned by critics, as Mr Trump will still be aware of his business holdings and how policies might affect them, and direct relatives will be running them on a day-to-day basis.
Trump to trust in daughter powerTrump to trust in daughter power
When is Trump going to start building the wall on the Mexican border?When is Trump going to start building the wall on the Mexican border?
Donald Trump has made building a wall along the border to stop illegal immigration an iconic refrain of his campaign.Donald Trump has made building a wall along the border to stop illegal immigration an iconic refrain of his campaign.
A document on his website outlines how he would "make Mexico pay". It would begin, on "day one" with amending money transfer rules so that no "alien" would be able to wire money out of the US without showing documents establishing their lawful presence in the country. Mexico has rejected his assertion that it will pay.A document on his website outlines how he would "make Mexico pay". It would begin, on "day one" with amending money transfer rules so that no "alien" would be able to wire money out of the US without showing documents establishing their lawful presence in the country. Mexico has rejected his assertion that it will pay.
Given the expected cost and scale of the wall, the challenges of acquiring privately owned land along the border route to build it on, and Congressional backing from sceptical Republicans, many analysts think it will never be built. Instead, they expect an increase in border policing and tightening of immigration rules. Some Trump advisers have talked of a "virtual" or "technological" wall, though he has insisted it will be built.Given the expected cost and scale of the wall, the challenges of acquiring privately owned land along the border route to build it on, and Congressional backing from sceptical Republicans, many analysts think it will never be built. Instead, they expect an increase in border policing and tightening of immigration rules. Some Trump advisers have talked of a "virtual" or "technological" wall, though he has insisted it will be built.
Will he stop abortion?Will he stop abortion?
In March, Donald Trump said that abortions should be illegal and he supported "some form of punishment" for women who had them. However, he later backed down from this, saying the legality of abortions should be left up to individual states, with any criminal penalties being reserved for abortion providers.In March, Donald Trump said that abortions should be illegal and he supported "some form of punishment" for women who had them. However, he later backed down from this, saying the legality of abortions should be left up to individual states, with any criminal penalties being reserved for abortion providers.
Mr Trump has said that he supports an abortion ban exception in cases of "rape, incest and [danger to] the life of the mother". He has also said he opposes the use of Medicaid to cover abortions for low-income women, and that with a Republican-controlled Congress he is willing to make that a matter of law.Mr Trump has said that he supports an abortion ban exception in cases of "rape, incest and [danger to] the life of the mother". He has also said he opposes the use of Medicaid to cover abortions for low-income women, and that with a Republican-controlled Congress he is willing to make that a matter of law.
Most abortions in the US are carried out by clinics, with Planned Parenthood being one of the largest providers of the service. Mr Trump has promised to stop funding the organisation, which provides reproductive healthcare - including birth control measures - to women across the United States.Most abortions in the US are carried out by clinics, with Planned Parenthood being one of the largest providers of the service. Mr Trump has promised to stop funding the organisation, which provides reproductive healthcare - including birth control measures - to women across the United States.
But Planned Parenthood, whose affiliates operate around 650 health centres nationwide, has vowed to continue its work, tweeting: "Planned Parenthood has been here for 100 years. One thing is clear we'll never back down & we'll never stop providing care for our patients."But Planned Parenthood, whose affiliates operate around 650 health centres nationwide, has vowed to continue its work, tweeting: "Planned Parenthood has been here for 100 years. One thing is clear we'll never back down & we'll never stop providing care for our patients."
I have health insurance through Obamacare. Will I lose it?I have health insurance through Obamacare. Will I lose it?
Donald Trump has made it clear that getting rid of the Affordable Healthcare Act is a top priority, which he intends to scrap "very, very quickly".Donald Trump has made it clear that getting rid of the Affordable Healthcare Act is a top priority, which he intends to scrap "very, very quickly".
Analysis in the US media says that to overturn the whole thing, he would need 60 votes in the Senate in order to overcome a Democratic filibuster (blocking manoeuvre), and he only has 51. But with their simple majority in the Senate, the Republicans would still be able to pass a bill that relates only to spending, through what's known as the "reconciliation process". This would allow them to make changes, such as repealing the tax credits that help low- and middle-income Americans pay for health insurance or the tax increases used to pay for the programme. They successfully did this in January 2016, but it was vetoed by President Barack Obama. Under that bill, there would have been a two-year transition process. If they halt the programme, Republicans would then need to agree on - and pass - an alternative programme.Analysis in the US media says that to overturn the whole thing, he would need 60 votes in the Senate in order to overcome a Democratic filibuster (blocking manoeuvre), and he only has 51. But with their simple majority in the Senate, the Republicans would still be able to pass a bill that relates only to spending, through what's known as the "reconciliation process". This would allow them to make changes, such as repealing the tax credits that help low- and middle-income Americans pay for health insurance or the tax increases used to pay for the programme. They successfully did this in January 2016, but it was vetoed by President Barack Obama. Under that bill, there would have been a two-year transition process. If they halt the programme, Republicans would then need to agree on - and pass - an alternative programme.
US media have also identified other steps Mr Trump could take early on to undermine the Obamacare - such as dropping a legal challenge President Obama was pursuing.US media have also identified other steps Mr Trump could take early on to undermine the Obamacare - such as dropping a legal challenge President Obama was pursuing.
Will same-sex marriages be upheld and continue to be recognised?Will same-sex marriages be upheld and continue to be recognised?
Donald Trump has said in interviews over several years that he is opposed to same-sex marriage - although he's also said he has attended a gay wedding.Donald Trump has said in interviews over several years that he is opposed to same-sex marriage - although he's also said he has attended a gay wedding.
He says the issue should be decided at state level, rather than nationally, and that he was unhappy with the 2015 Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that made same-sex marriage legal across the country. After that decision he appeared to agree that it was a "dead issue" and suggested that he didn't support attempts to overturn the ruling.He says the issue should be decided at state level, rather than nationally, and that he was unhappy with the 2015 Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that made same-sex marriage legal across the country. After that decision he appeared to agree that it was a "dead issue" and suggested that he didn't support attempts to overturn the ruling.
But earlier this year, he told Fox News he would "strongly consider" appointing Supreme Court justices who would reverse it.But earlier this year, he told Fox News he would "strongly consider" appointing Supreme Court justices who would reverse it.
He has not made the issue a priority. His Vice President-elect, Mike Pence, is strongly opposed to gay marriage.He has not made the issue a priority. His Vice President-elect, Mike Pence, is strongly opposed to gay marriage.
What will happen with ongoing lawsuits against Trump?What will happen with ongoing lawsuits against Trump?
Even by the standards of billionaire businessmen, Donald Trump is an unusually litigious man who has been involved in thousands of lawsuits - both those he has launched and those he has defended - over the years.Even by the standards of billionaire businessmen, Donald Trump is an unusually litigious man who has been involved in thousands of lawsuits - both those he has launched and those he has defended - over the years.
The president-elect is currently facing 75 active lawsuits, according to an analysis by USA Today newspaper.The president-elect is currently facing 75 active lawsuits, according to an analysis by USA Today newspaper.
By far the most pressing - and potentially embarrassing for the newly elected leader - are several lawsuits launched over the now-defunct Trump University, which centre on former students claiming they were charged tens of thousands of dollars for courses that promised to unlock the secrets of real estate entrepreneurship - and didn't. Mr Trump denies the claims.By far the most pressing - and potentially embarrassing for the newly elected leader - are several lawsuits launched over the now-defunct Trump University, which centre on former students claiming they were charged tens of thousands of dollars for courses that promised to unlock the secrets of real estate entrepreneurship - and didn't. Mr Trump denies the claims.
Because these were launched long before he assumed office, no presidential immunity statutes apply and Mr Trump will have to attend court when required.Because these were launched long before he assumed office, no presidential immunity statutes apply and Mr Trump will have to attend court when required.
I'm a Muslim, will I still be allowed to go on holiday to the US?I'm a Muslim, will I still be allowed to go on holiday to the US?
After last year's mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, when 14 people were killed, Mr Trump issued a press release calling for a "total and complete shutdown" on Muslims entering the US "until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on".After last year's mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, when 14 people were killed, Mr Trump issued a press release calling for a "total and complete shutdown" on Muslims entering the US "until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on".
The statement attracted condemnation from around the globe and significantly from his Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who called the proposal "offensive and unconstitutional".The statement attracted condemnation from around the globe and significantly from his Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who called the proposal "offensive and unconstitutional".
Over the months it appears Mr Trump may have abandoned his plan. In October, Mr Pence told journalists he no longer protested against the proposed ban "because it's not Donald Trump's position now".Over the months it appears Mr Trump may have abandoned his plan. In October, Mr Pence told journalists he no longer protested against the proposed ban "because it's not Donald Trump's position now".
And now the original statement which called for the ban seems to have been removed from the Trump campaign website, with the original link now going through to site's main page. After the election, the page on his website that set out the policy appeared to have been removed, replaced by a redirect to the site's main page. That raised questions about whether it was being dropped, but the page was later restored and the Trump campaign told the Washington Post it had been an error.
To what extent is Trump able to undo accords and agreements on climate change?To what extent is Trump able to undo accords and agreements on climate change?
Mr Trump has expressed scepticism about the science behind climate change and wants to get the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement deal. He says the deal is "bad for US business" and will allow "foreign bureaucrats control over how much energy we use".Mr Trump has expressed scepticism about the science behind climate change and wants to get the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement deal. He says the deal is "bad for US business" and will allow "foreign bureaucrats control over how much energy we use".
In 2012, he tweeted that the concept of global warming was created by the Chinese to make US manufacturing non-competitive. But last January, he described that comment as a joke.In 2012, he tweeted that the concept of global warming was created by the Chinese to make US manufacturing non-competitive. But last January, he described that comment as a joke.
However, the Paris Agreement has been ratified and is already part of international law. While Mr Trump probably would easily find sufficient political backing to withdraw US support, the formal process to do this would take four years.However, the Paris Agreement has been ratified and is already part of international law. While Mr Trump probably would easily find sufficient political backing to withdraw US support, the formal process to do this would take four years.
Since the election, delegates from 200 countries at the UN climate talks in Morocco have said they are prepared to move ahead with work on the Paris Agreement without the US.Since the election, delegates from 200 countries at the UN climate talks in Morocco have said they are prepared to move ahead with work on the Paris Agreement without the US.
Will Trump weaken Nato and put US allies at a disadvantage?Will Trump weaken Nato and put US allies at a disadvantage?
The president-elect's foreign policy, expressed in his "America First" plan, states that it will always prioritise US interests, and that foreign allies should bear more of the cost of military action and defence.The president-elect's foreign policy, expressed in his "America First" plan, states that it will always prioritise US interests, and that foreign allies should bear more of the cost of military action and defence.
Mr Trump has made it clear he intends to reassess US involvement in the Western military alliance Nato.Mr Trump has made it clear he intends to reassess US involvement in the Western military alliance Nato.
In an interview in July with the New York Times, he stated that in the face of a future attack from Russia, Nato members could only expect the US to defend them if they "have fulfilled their obligations to us" - an apparent breach of the alliance's mutual-defence treaty.In an interview in July with the New York Times, he stated that in the face of a future attack from Russia, Nato members could only expect the US to defend them if they "have fulfilled their obligations to us" - an apparent breach of the alliance's mutual-defence treaty.
Following his election, European leaders have asked Mr Trump to clarify his position, while Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reminded him that the treaty commitment was "something absolutely unconditioned".Following his election, European leaders have asked Mr Trump to clarify his position, while Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reminded him that the treaty commitment was "something absolutely unconditioned".
Whether a compromise can be reached is, at present, not known.Whether a compromise can be reached is, at present, not known.
Will Trump attack North Korea?Will Trump attack North Korea?
Many of Donald Trump's foreign policy plans remain unclear.Many of Donald Trump's foreign policy plans remain unclear.
In May, he did suggest that he would sit down with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to try to stop Pyongyang's nuclear programme, proposing a major shift in US policy toward the isolated nation by saying: "I would speak to him, I would have no problem speaking to him."In May, he did suggest that he would sit down with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to try to stop Pyongyang's nuclear programme, proposing a major shift in US policy toward the isolated nation by saying: "I would speak to him, I would have no problem speaking to him."
Pyongyang endorsed him and called him a "wise politician" and a "far-sighted candidate", and cheered his comments that South Korea should pay more for US troops to remain on its soil.Pyongyang endorsed him and called him a "wise politician" and a "far-sighted candidate", and cheered his comments that South Korea should pay more for US troops to remain on its soil.
But following the election, North Korea has made it clear it does not intend to give up its nuclear weapons.But following the election, North Korea has made it clear it does not intend to give up its nuclear weapons.
Addressing this question in the last few days, Graham Allison, one of the world's leading experts on nuclear proliferation and containment, said: "One of the many problems with Trump is that he has apparently not worked his way through any of the possible scenarios regarding a North Korean threat. Our commander-in-chief is the only person who stands between us and the possibility of getting blown to hell. Whether he would be impetuous, or impatient, or not know the material, we just don't know."Addressing this question in the last few days, Graham Allison, one of the world's leading experts on nuclear proliferation and containment, said: "One of the many problems with Trump is that he has apparently not worked his way through any of the possible scenarios regarding a North Korean threat. Our commander-in-chief is the only person who stands between us and the possibility of getting blown to hell. Whether he would be impetuous, or impatient, or not know the material, we just don't know."
Mr Trump has also said he would be open to allowing Japan and South Korea to build their own nuclear arsenals for their protection against North Korea and China.Mr Trump has also said he would be open to allowing Japan and South Korea to build their own nuclear arsenals for their protection against North Korea and China.
Is Canada now going to get many more American immigrants?Is Canada now going to get many more American immigrants?
When the news of a possible Trump victory started to emerge, Canada's immigration website crashed, a phenomenon that was attributed to higher than normal level of traffic. There was also a surge of traffic to the New Zealand immigration website and the Google search "Australia immigration" hit a massive spike.When the news of a possible Trump victory started to emerge, Canada's immigration website crashed, a phenomenon that was attributed to higher than normal level of traffic. There was also a surge of traffic to the New Zealand immigration website and the Google search "Australia immigration" hit a massive spike.
It is uncertain at this stage if this wave of interest by US citizens will result in people actually deciding to make the move to Canada or elsewhere.It is uncertain at this stage if this wave of interest by US citizens will result in people actually deciding to make the move to Canada or elsewhere.
However, while getting a travel visa to Canada would be straightforward for many Americans, moving permanently is a different issue.However, while getting a travel visa to Canada would be straightforward for many Americans, moving permanently is a different issue.
Canada has several different immigration programmes and each has different application and eligibility requirements. According to specialist immigration lawyers, having a special skill or profession, joining immediate family members already living in Canada, or claiming political asylum as a "protected person" are the three main ways to make the move.Canada has several different immigration programmes and each has different application and eligibility requirements. According to specialist immigration lawyers, having a special skill or profession, joining immediate family members already living in Canada, or claiming political asylum as a "protected person" are the three main ways to make the move.
But for others, factors such as nationality, age, language ability, education and work experience will all be thoroughly scrutinised.But for others, factors such as nationality, age, language ability, education and work experience will all be thoroughly scrutinised.
What will happen to the petition to bar Trump from the UK now that he will be president?What will happen to the petition to bar Trump from the UK now that he will be president?
In 2015, a petition was drawn up to, "Block Donald J Trump from UK entry" for hate speech. This was in response to a number of comments made by Mr Trump, particularly about Muslims.In 2015, a petition was drawn up to, "Block Donald J Trump from UK entry" for hate speech. This was in response to a number of comments made by Mr Trump, particularly about Muslims.
The petition had over half a million signatures and was debated in parliament in January 2016. Although current Prime Minister Theresa May, who was the home secretary at the time, condemned Mr Trump's controversial remarks, she rejected the call to ban him from the UK.The petition had over half a million signatures and was debated in parliament in January 2016. Although current Prime Minister Theresa May, who was the home secretary at the time, condemned Mr Trump's controversial remarks, she rejected the call to ban him from the UK.
Although there was a debate, there was no vote on the issue so there will be no direct action taken.Although there was a debate, there was no vote on the issue so there will be no direct action taken.
We have received a huge number of questions from you and it is therefore difficult to answer them all but we will answer as many of them as we can over the coming days.We have received a huge number of questions from you and it is therefore difficult to answer them all but we will answer as many of them as we can over the coming days.
Do you have a question on another issue for the BBC to investigate?Do you have a question on another issue for the BBC to investigate?