Donald Trump’s proposed agenda for a second term, including mass deportations and pardons for those involved in the Capitol riot, is gaining traction among a new generation of Republicans in Congress. This marks a significant shift from earlier resistance to Trump’s ideas, with key GOP leaders aligning themselves with his “Make America Great Again” movement. While Democrats and President Joe Biden are raising concerns about Trump’s plans, Republicans in Congress are undergoing a major realignment towards Trump’s agenda.
Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell is preparing to step down from his leadership role, and House Speaker Mike Johnson faces threats of being ousted, paving the way for MAGA-aligned newcomers like Senator JD Vance and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene to rise in influence. Both Vance and Greene are seen as potential vice presidential picks by Trump. Meanwhile, other Republicans in Congress are largely shrugging off questions about Trump’s agenda, focusing on policies they support. Former Trump White House officials in Washington are also actively working on policy papers and legislative drafts to support Trump’s proposed agenda.
During Trump’s first term, some Republicans in Congress pushed back against his proposals, but now there are fewer lawmakers willing to oppose him openly. Trump has effectively taken control of the Republican Party apparatus, leading to minimal resistance within the party. Trump continues to claim the 2020 election was stolen and is facing federal charges related to his efforts to overturn the results. He has made the events of January 6, 2021, a central theme of his 2024 campaign, referring to those involved in the Capitol riot as “hostages.”
Some Republican senators, like Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz, have differing views on pardons for those involved in the Capitol riot, with Hawley suggesting closely monitoring a Supreme Court case that could impact the convictions. Cruz criticized the Biden administration for what he called the “weaponization” of the Justice Department against protesters. Trump’s key campaign promise for 2024 is to launch the “largest domestic deportation operation in American history,” building on his previous immigration policies. Some Republican lawmakers, like Marco Rubio, acknowledge the need for action on immigration amid record high migrant crossings during Biden’s term.
Critics, including former Biden campaign official Vanessa Cardenas, express concerns about the potential impact of Trump allies implementing his policies in a second term. They fear a return to the cruelty of Trump’s immigration policies and worry about the consequences for migrant communities. With Trump’s growing influence within the Republican Party and the support of key figures in Congress, his proposed agenda for a second term is gaining momentum, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic shift in policy if he were to win the 2024 election.
