Donald Trump has several weeks to attempt to influence the Republican-controlled Congress before newly elected Democratic lawmakers take office in January. The period between the November midterm elections and the beginning of the new Congress on January 3, commonly known as the “lame-duck session,” could become an important political battleground as Republicans prepare to surrender control of both the House and Senate.
Attack and threaten has been Trump’s standard M.O. since he first captured the White House in 2015. Now, two years into a second term and ten years older, Trump isn’t the same individual he was then. He’s 80. Reportedly he is not in the best physical or mental health and is seemingly incapable of making sound decisions. He often seems extremely tired, and many believe he simply isn’t up to the task of fighting back as he has done so often in earlier years.
But what if he was? What could Americans expect? Or if GOP political puppet masters behind the scenes are pulling the strings, what might Democrats be up against, even with the massive blue victory?
The Democratic party secured sweeping victories in the November 3 elections, winning control of both chambers. CBS News projected Democrats would hold between 251 and 268 House seats, while the party secured at least 54 Senate seats. The results represent a major change in the political landscape for the remainder of Trump’s presidency.
The election does not immediately transfer congressional power. Until January 3, the outgoing Republican majorities remain in office, retaining their ability to pass legislation, conduct investigations, hold hearings and consider presidential nominations. That gives Trump an opportunity to press Republican lawmakers to advance his priorities before Democrats assume control.
Trump could lobby members privately, publicly criticize those who refuse to cooperate, offer political endorsements or threaten to support primary challengers. He could also encourage Republicans to pursue investigations into election results, oppose bipartisan legislation or use the remaining session to advance measures that might be difficult to pass under Democratic leadership.
However, Trump’s ability to command Republican loyalty may be facing new challenges.
A Reuters investigation published October 7 found that two-thirds of Republican candidates in competitive House and Senate races had either broken with Trump on particular policies or deliberately played down their association with him.
The review examined 62 competitive races and found distancing efforts in 41 of them. Candidates expressed disagreements over issues including the Iran conflict and economic policies, while some removed Trump’s name, photographs or endorsements from their campaign websites.
The election results have intensified those divisions. In the days following the Democratic victories, Republican allies and political strategists publicly urged Trump to reconsider his approach, change personnel and revisit policies they blamed for the losses, including the Iran war and tariffs. Vice President JD Vance also attributed the Republican defeat in part to the Iran conflict.
These developments do not mean Republicans have abandoned Trump. Many remain supportive, and the president continues to exercise considerable influence within the party. Nevertheless, the public disagreements raise questions about how willing Republican lawmakers will be to follow his direction during their final weeks in office.
There are also constitutional limits to what the outgoing Congress can accomplish regarding the incoming Democratic majority. Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution gives each chamber the authority to judge the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members. Consequently, the outgoing House cannot simply refuse to recognize the newly elected House’s membership. The incoming House will address any challenges involving its own members after it convenes. The Senate has separate procedures for handling contested Senate elections and credentials.
That does not eliminate the possibility of election challenges or political disputes. Individual House or Senate races can be contested, and the appropriate chamber can investigate those claims. But challenging an election requires more than presidential objections or partisan disagreement.
The coming weeks will therefore test both Trump’s remaining influence and the willingness of Republican lawmakers to exercise independent judgment. The outgoing Congress still has the power to act, but voters have already determined who will hold the congressional majorities beginning in January.
Whether the lame-duck session becomes a period of routine legislative business or another confrontation over political power will help shape the transition to the new Congress in 2027.
For many, Trump’s initial reaction — what appeared to be an acceptance of defeat and congratulations for Democrats — came as a shock. What followed — shifting to questioning the integrity of the results — could hardly be called surprising.
Should American voters be worried? They should be prepared for a potential showdown, but not lose sight of the positive developments to come from a legitimate Democratic victory.
This story is brought to you by Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place.
