Silke Mayr With the 2024 election in the books, Republicans have not only regained the White House with President-elect Donald Trump, but they’ve also flipped the Senate and are on track to retain control of the House. This trifecta of power gives the GOP a unique opportunity to push forward its agenda with little opposition. So, what can the American public expect now that Republicans control all three branches of government?
From rapid Cabinet appointments to sweeping policy changes, a unified GOP government promises significant shifts in domestic and foreign policy. Here’s a look at the key areas where Republicans are likely to make their mark in Washington.
Swift Cabinet Appointments and Judicial Confirmations
With the Senate now in Republican hands, Trump’s Cabinet and judicial nominees are poised to face minimal resistance. Historically, when the presidency and Senate are controlled by the same party, nominations pass more easily, particularly with the Democrats having rolled back the filibuster for most appointments. This gives Trump a clear path to fill key positions quickly and without delay.
Expect Trump to put forward a range of conservative candidates for critical roles, from the Department of Justice to the Treasury Department. Names like former National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow for Treasury Secretary or Utah Senator Mike Lee for Attorney General could quickly become contenders. With Republicans firmly in control, Trump will have the ability to stock his administration with loyalists who share his vision.
Policy Priorities: Taxes, Immigration, and Regulation
With a trifecta of power, Trump and congressional Republicans will likely turn their attention to a series of long-standing policy priorities. Expect aggressive action on immigration reform, including measures aimed at tightening border security and reducing illegal immigration. A focus on deregulation, particularly in energy and business sectors, will likely be a top priority as Republicans seek to roll back many of the regulations put in place by the Biden administration.
The future of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will also be a key battleground. Some provisions of the tax law are set to expire in 2025, opening the door for Republicans to shape future tax policy. Trump is expected to push for further tax cuts, particularly for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, while also seeking to eliminate taxes on tips and exempt overtime pay from income tax.
Another critical policy discussion will be over the federal budget. With the GOP controlling the purse strings, look for spending cuts in areas like social welfare programs, federal diversity initiatives, and the Department of Education. At the same time, the GOP will seek to increase funding for defense and border security.
The Abortion Debate: Will GOP Follow Through?
Abortion will be another hot-button issue under a Republican-controlled Washington. Throughout the election cycle, Republicans have resisted calls from their base to pass a federal abortion ban. However, with both the White House and Congress under GOP control, Trump and his party will face increasing pressure from evangelical and conservative factions to act.
Public opinion remains largely opposed to a federal abortion ban, with even a significant portion of Republicans expressing opposition. It will be interesting to see whether the GOP sticks to its promises of avoiding federal restrictions or if it yields to the more vocal elements within its base.
Health Care: Reforms on the Horizon
Health care will also be a central issue in the coming years. While Trump and many Republicans have long sought to repeal or replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the law’s widespread popularity and its critical role in insuring millions of Americans make a full repeal politically challenging. Instead, expect Trump’s administration to attempt targeted changes to the ACA, possibly tweaking provisions to lower costs or increase flexibility for states in managing healthcare programs.
A focus on reducing prescription drug prices is also likely, especially as the GOP works to address rising healthcare costs for consumers. However, the complex nature of health care policy, combined with ongoing public support for the ACA, means that meaningful reform will likely face substantial hurdles.
Raising the Debt Ceiling: A Financial Standoff?
The national debt ceiling will be another significant issue facing a Republican-majority government. With the ceiling set to be reinstated next year, Congress will need to come to an agreement on how to prevent the U.S. from defaulting on its debt. Republicans, known for their fiscal conservatism, will likely push for spending cuts as part of any deal to raise the ceiling. This could lead to a standoff with Democrats, who may oppose significant reductions in federal spending.
At the same time, the GOP will likely continue to push for budget reforms that reduce the size of government and cut funding for progressive initiatives. This could lead to a series of high-stakes negotiations between Republicans and Democrats, with the debt ceiling looming as a key point of contention.
The Filibuster: Will the GOP Stick to Its Word?
One of the more critical rules for legislative action is the Senate filibuster, which requires a 60-vote threshold to end debate on most bills. The GOP has pledged to preserve this rule, arguing that it encourages bipartisan cooperation. However, with a narrow Republican majority and the potential for significant pushback from Democrats, the filibuster could become a point of contention.
If the GOP can maintain unity, it may bypass the filibuster through budget reconciliation, which allows certain types of legislation to pass with a simple majority. This could clear the path for Trump’s legislative priorities, such as tax cuts or changes to health care policy, without needing Democratic votes.
The Republican Divide: Internal Struggles Ahead?
Despite their unified control of Washington, Republicans remain a divided party. The rise of populist elements within the GOP has created tensions with traditional conservatives. As Trump seeks to push forward his agenda, he may face challenges from within his own party, particularly on social issues like abortion, immigration, and healthcare.
These internal divisions could complicate efforts to pass major legislation, as GOP lawmakers will need to balance the demands of their conservative base with the realities of governing in a polarized political environment. The coming months will likely see Republican leaders working to maintain party unity, while also addressing the priorities of their diverse political factions.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Trump’s Presidency?
With Republicans firmly in control of Washington, Trump has the opportunity to reshape key areas of policy, from taxes and healthcare to immigration and social issues. However, the GOP will need to navigate its internal divisions and the realities of governing a deeply divided country. While Trump and the Republican leadership will have the power to enact significant reforms, their success will depend on their ability to manage both public opinion and party unity.
As Trump prepares for his second term, the coming years will offer a clear test of his leadership and his ability to push through bold changes with a unified Republican government.