WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump participated in what was referred to as a “love fest” on Tuesday with Senate Republicans, as they began strategizing for the upcoming year and establishing a proposed agenda for his initial 30 days in office.
During the call, which was more in celebration than focused on policy specifics, Trump encouraged the senators to approve his Cabinet nominees as they prepare to prioritize tax cuts, immigration enforcement, and other key issues. “It was a love fest,” stated Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., noting the strong sense of unity among the group.
This virtual meeting occurred as Congress is wrapping up what many are calling one of the most tumultuous legislative sessions in recent history. With Republicans possessing full control of the government, they are determined to achieve better results next year with Trump’s upcoming presidency beginning on January 20.
Senate Republican leader John Thune from South Dakota proposed a potential roadmap for the future during the private gathering held at the Library of Congress. He outlined a two-part plan wherein senators would first focus on a legislative package addressing energy, border security, and defense that could be processed within Trump’s first month in office. Following that, Thune indicated that the focus would pivot towards tax cuts, notably reviving the expiring tax provisions from Trump’s inaugural term, which may take a longer time frame to negotiate.
The new Congress will officially convene on January 3, when members will be sworn in. The Senate is expected to quickly commence confirmation hearings for Trump’s key Cabinet picks, although some nominees are already encountering challenges. For instance, Trump’s selections of Fox News anchor Pete Hegseth for defense secretary and ardent FBI critic Kash Patel as head of the FBI could face tough scrutiny during their confirmation processes. Hegseth was seen interacting with senators Tuesday after working late into the previous night.
“It’s imperative that we rigorously evaluate the nominees for such crucial roles,” remarked Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also spoke to the GOP senators, highlighting his precarious majority in the House, which limits his flexibility regarding dissenting party members. Johnson emphasized the necessity for unity as they gear up for their first 100 days in office, according to his spokesperson Taylor Haulsee.
Despite their governance in Washington, Republicans have struggled to coalesce around their agenda specifics. They plan to utilize budget reconciliation—a procedural measure that enables them to pass Trump’s initiatives on party-line votes with a simple majority, anticipating resistance from Democrats.
However, divisions are already emerging over various tax and spending issues, as well as broader strategies concerning Trump’s proposals for mass immigrant deportations. There’s an expectation that federal funds will be redirected to construct Trump’s proposed border wall and to employ personnel for immigrant round-ups.
“The aim is not just to complete the wall but to implement technology that provides real oversight resources at the border,” stated Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. “We also need to recruit the personnel necessary to initiate the deportation of individuals deemed threats.”
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., noted that discussions about border policies could prove as contentious as debates over tax measures. Congress is anticipated to have longer working hours, especially in the Senate, which traditionally does not meet on Fridays.
“We’re planning to be available more frequently than we have been,” stated Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
