If Republican Donald Trump secures a second term in the White House, his return to Washington would feature notably different alliances compared to his exit in January 2021, reports USA Today. By the end of his first term, Trump’s standing among Republican lawmakers was strained. The January 6, 2021 Capitol riots led to widespread condemnation, including from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who stated that Trump was “practically and morally responsible” for the events.
Nearly four years later, Trump, now 78, has regained influence, polling neck-and-neck with Democratic rival Kamala Harris, solidifying his sway in the Republican Party and his influence in Congress.
As Caroline Levitt, Trump’s campaign spokesperson, told USA Today, “Just as he did in his first term, Trump will work with anyone willing to help deliver on his promises to the American people.”
Should Republicans win both the Senate and the House, along with the presidency, Trump’s influence over GOP leaders could result in major legislative victories for the party. However, achieving any substantial policy changes would still require a 60-vote threshold in the Senate. If Democrats retain control of either chamber, they could obstruct Trump’s agenda, forcing Republican leaders to collaborate with their Democratic counterparts.
In the Senate, some of Trump’s staunchest allies include Marco Rubio of Florida, known for his foreign policy insights, and South Carolina’s Tim Scott, Arkansas’s Tom Cotton, Alabama’s Tommy Tuberville, Tennessee’s Marsha Blackburn, and Montana’s Steve Daines. Trump also has a longstanding but often turbulent relationship with Lindsey Graham, and he’s maintained a strong rapport with Rick Scott from Florida.
In the House, many of Trump’s close allies are from Florida, notably Byron Donalds, Matt Gaetz, and Mike Waltz. Representative Anna Paulina Luna has also shown strong support for Trump, appearing at his rallies and even in Manhattan during his criminal trial.
Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of Trump’s most prominent House allies since 2021, and Ohio’s Jim Jordan, another loyal supporter, are expected to play key roles. Former Trump administration official Max Miller, also from Ohio, remains in close contact with Trump, signaling a well-defined support base within Congress if Trump reclaims the White House.
