The narrative emerging from Capitol Hill suggests that Republican lawmakers have willingly relinquished their authority to Donald Trump. This situation raises alarm bells for the very foundation of the U.S. government, which is grounded in a delicate balance of power among three branches. But, we now witness an unprecedented scenario: a congressional majority that appears to be handing over its power to the executive branch, thus undermining the constitutional framework itself.
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Such capitulation from Congress indicates that those elected to represent the populace are, in fact, ceding their voices — and by extension, responsibilities. When the legislative branch becomes a mere echo of the executive, it loses its essential role as a check against presidential overreach.
The speculation surrounding Trump’s de facto leadership of Congress gained traction with a report from The Wall Street Journal, as reported from within the White House:
According to sources, senior White House officials jest that they are now exercising control over Congress with an “iron fist.” Trump ally Steve Bannon took it a step further, equating Congress’s current state to that of the Duma, the ceremonial assembly in Russia. Notably, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) attended a recent birthday celebration for senior aide Stephen Miller at the prestigious Ned’s Club, signaling the close-knit relationship between Congress and the White House.
Bannon, reflecting on the shift in Republican dynamics since Trump’s earlier presidency, remarked that the atmosphere of resistance has diminished, as Trump has reemerged with newfound vigor. “He’s pursuing strategies now that he would have never pursued before,” Bannon said. “The intensity of his actions is unprecedented.”
The ongoing government shutdown can be traced back to a deliberate decision by Trump’s administration. This highlights a critical point of contention: a government, ideally meant to serve the people, is now allegedly being orchestrated to serve the whims of one individual.
