With an unassailable majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives, US President-elect Donald Trump will return to the White House for his second term wielding near-absolute control over government operations. Trump’s decisive victory, strengthened by wins in both the popular and electoral college votes across all swing states, signifies more than just political success; it demonstrates his strong connection with the American public and puts Democrats on the defensive. But this may have future implications and challenges for him too.
Trump’s Dominant Win
Donald Trump’s re-election was emphatic, marked by an impressive three-million-ballot lead in the popular vote over Democratic rival Kamala Harris. Trump captured 312 electoral votes to Harris’s 226, a stark contrast to his 2016 win, when he claimed the electoral college despite Hillary Clinton’s popular vote lead. By achieving both the electoral and popular vote this time, alongside sweeping swing states, Trump becomes the first Republican in two decades to accomplish this feat.
Republican Control in Congress
Adding to his authority, Republicans now command a substantial majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives. With full control over these chambers, Trump will have significant leverage over government operations, including influence over powerful parliamentary committees.
Hasty Cabinet Announcements
Trump has already begun rapidly announcing his cabinet picks, signaling to the Republican Party that he holds complete control over his administration. By quickly appointing his preferred candidates, Trump demonstrates that this term’s administration will prioritize his own choices over traditional party considerations. However, this approach may create friction within the Republican Party over time, as some members may view it as bypassing party consensus and sidelining their influence.
Judicial Backing from a Conservative Supreme Court
With a 6-3 conservative majority on the Supreme Court, Trump benefits from judicial decisions that favor Republican principles, including the 2022 overturning of the nationwide right to abortion. A recent ruling also granted presidents absolute immunity for “official” acts in office, potentially leading to the dismissal or abandonment of ongoing cases related to Trump’s 2020 election challenges.
Challenges Ahead
Though Trump commands significant support from influential figures such as Elon Musk and other billionaires, his authority will soon face a test. The upcoming midterm elections for the Senate, in which one-third of its members will be up for re-election, could impact his agenda. The stability of Trump’s control over Congress may hinge on the results of these midterms.
