Two thirds of respondents in a new US poll believe incoming President Donald Trump won’t be able to trim the federal budget deficit as pledged in his campaign. The deficit sits at $1.8 trillion. 

In the same poll, 61% of respondents think China will continue to increase its world power, while just 23% are expecting a year of political cooperation. 

US correspondent Richard Arnold tells Tim Beveridge “you might say the summary is ‘challenges ahead’.” 

Meanwhile, two arms of Trump’s Republican support are engaged in a blistering battle over empowering skilled foreign workers. 

Richard Arnold tells Tim Beveridge Elon Musk says he will go to war on the issue of allowing skilled workers to enter the US. Musk supports the entry of workers with skills critical to the tech industry.  

Plus, details of the funeral for former President Jimmy Carter reveal honours with span several days. 

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