WASHINGTON — Republicans have officially secured the majority in the House, giving them control of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches.
While Republicans also controlled the House and Senate when President-elect Donald Trump was elected in 2016, it’s different this time.
In Trump’s first term, he faced Republican leaders who were resistant to his policy ideas, and a Supreme Court with a liberal majority. Then just two years later, Democrats retook control of the House.
This time, Trump will be working with a Congress that falls in line with his “Make America Great Again” movement, as well as a Supreme Court dominated by conservative justices.
It means the stage is set for Trump to have an easier path to passing legislation, including his deportation operation, tax breaks, and efforts to reshape the U.S. economy.
However, a highly functioning Congress is not guaranteed.
Republicans could still face resistance in their own party, and will have to hold the House and Senate during the midterm elections in two years.