New Trump White House must manage the Senate carefully

Significance

President-elect Donald Trump will pressure the Senate to move ahead swiftly with confirming his nominees and passing his legislative agenda. Both Trump and the media will be focused on accomplishments achieved during the first 100 days of his presidency, in part as an indication of Trump’s degree of control over the Senate.

Impacts

• With their party controlling the presidency and both chambers of Congress, Republican voters will expect to see legislation enacted quickly.
• In the House, a slim majority means Republicans will need votes from Democrats or the conservative Freedom Caucus to pass some legislation.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson, an enthusiastic Trump supporter, will have to negotiate with the more independent Thune to pass Trump’s agenda.
• Trump will use executive orders in an attempt to implement policy without the need for legislation, but some will face legal challenges.