Elections Outlook Report - Flipbook - Page 23
more vulnerable to members’ absenteeism due to medical
emergencies, travel, and vacancies or even trigger a temporary
flip in control to Democrats. Also, any lawmakers who might
want to make the jump to working within the administration will
have to consider how their move will impact the party’s majority
or if a special election in their district might be too competitive.
One thing is not like the other, Trump transition 2.0 is different
This transition for Trump marks a stark contrast from his
previous term. Trump is now seasoned in knowing how the
White House and the Hill work and strategically choosing
those around him. It is clear that the people on his transition
team have been meticulous and working for a great deal of
time on how best to execute and deliver the wave of executive
orders that will be unleashed in January. Their choices in staff
and announced nominees show that picking from within
Trump’s trusted Republican MAGA circles and demonstrating
unwavering loyalty are the two checkmarks needed at the top
of the vetting list.
Unlike last time, this transition is moving at warp speed so the
Trump administration can hit the ground running when Trump
is inaugurated to deliver his ambitious “Day One” agenda
with maximum impact. Trump has let out a steady string of
announced nominees and personnel appointments, with many
overseeing his top priority issues being designated as “czars.”
They will maintain close contact with the President while
exerting their influence across agencies to advance his agenda.
No doubt, this election has only maximized Trump’s stronghold
over his party by making him one of the most popular
Republican presidents in history. With Republicans winning
unified control of the House and Senate, Trump’s Republican
colleagues in Congress will fall even further in line with him and
stay there. Trump’s word will ultimately be all that matters when
making decisions, and it will be in any Republican’s best interest
to be standing in line with him.
