Trump fast-track personal agenda, Digi Mart USA News: It is quite a moment in American history when the White House issues a public service announcement to point out that the nation’s president is still at the helm. “PSA: TRUMP IS STILL YOUR PRESIDENT,” read a post on White House social media accounts after the Republicans’ midterm drubbing, placed over a close-up photograph of a stony-faced Donald Trump with his fists planted on the Resolute Desk.
How much actual power remains is open to question, as Democrats celebrate a historic victory and prepare to take control of both houses of Congress when the new session is sworn in on 3 January. From that day, Trump is unlikely to get his favored legislation passed by Congress, making him a lame duck in the classic sense.
Trump, however, has not historically governed through Congress. He has chosen to rule largely by executive order, measures of dubious legal provenance that can be challenged in court.
His so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs were issued without reference to Congress, and the Supreme Court later struck them down, yet he chose to pursue punitive duties on other grounds rather than work through the legislative branch.
Past presidents who suffered midterm losses have often focused on areas where they retained broad powers, particularly foreign policy. Trump may seek to remain the dominant force in America’s activities on the world stage, and the article notes Cuba and Iran as areas where he may act quickly.
The article also says European leaders are signaling more determined resistance to his policies over the economic damage caused by the Iran conflict.
The remaining window is the “lame duck” session of Congress through the end of the year, which gives Republican majorities a final chance to pass priority legislation. That could include a fast-tracked reconciliation bill covering a debt limit increase, war funding, voting restrictions, a crypto strategy and policy on hemp-derived products.
Government funding is due to expire on 11 December, and Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio anticipated a “Last Supper” push to cement priorities before the new Congress.
Democrats are expected to use their incoming investigative powers, and Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia, expected to head the House Oversight Committee, reportedly advised Trump administration members to “Lawyer Up.” Trump has dismissed impeachment concerns, saying “it would destroy the Democratic Party if they did that.” The Supreme Court may also see retirement considerations, with Justices Clarence Thomas, 78, and Samuel Alito, 76, rumored to be weighing retirement, though The New York Times reported that Alito has told friends he has no immediate plans to leave.
Succession maneuvering is also beginning within Republican circles, with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio positioning themselves for the 2028 presidential contest. The article suggests this may constrain Trump’s influence as allies seek distance from his record.
As the source puts it, a president who thrives on attention may find that attention directed elsewhere.
