Former President Donald Trump made a triumphant return to Capitol Hill on Thursday, his first appearance with lawmakers since the Jan. 6, 2021 attacks. Despite pending federal charges for conspiring to overturn the 2020 election and a recent guilty verdict in an unrelated hush money trial, Trump arrived as the GOP’s presumptive nominee, embraced by energized House and Senate Republicans. The Republican former president has successfully silenced critics, enticed lawmakers aboard his campaign, and purged the party of skeptics. A packed room of House Republicans sang “Happy Birthday” to Trump during a private breakfast meeting at GOP campaign headquarters, demonstrating the party’s support for his potential return to the White House.
During his meetings with House and Senate Republicans, Trump discussed various issues such as Russia, immigration, tax cuts, and other priorities for a potential second term. House Speaker Mike Johnson was praised by Trump during the morning session, showcasing unity within the Republican Party. Despite questions about Trump’s respect for the peaceful transfer of power, Johnson assured that the former president and other party members understand and respect this tradition. Outside groups like Project 2025 are formulating priorities for a new White House administration, but Trump has made it clear that he has his own agenda. The energy and enthusiasm at the meetings with lawmakers further bolstered Trump’s confidence in his election campaign.
Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn expressed frustration over lawmakers’ embrace of Trump, who he believes threatened democracy during the Jan. 6 attack. Dunn highlighted the lack of backbone in lawmakers who prioritize party and individuals over the country’s best interests. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, who was attending a summit overseas, unveiled a new campaign ad blaming Trump for the events of Jan. 6 and accusing him of threatening democracy. However, many Republican lawmakers who once stood up to Trump have left office, and those who remain appear enthusiastic about the idea of him returning to the White House, which could benefit their own GOP majorities in Congress.
Trump’s encounters with Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Mike Johnson were symbolic of his return to the U.S. political arena. McConnell, who once criticized Trump for the Capitol riot, has now endorsed him as the party’s presumptive nominee. Trump addressed the situation directly, expressing his willingness to work with everyone, including McConnell. The two exchanged fist bumps, signaling a shift in their relationship. While some analysts warn of authoritarian impulses threatening the U.S. system, many House Republicans are rallying behind Trump, who sees the events of Jan. 6 as a cornerstone of his reelection campaign. Trump has vowed to pardon individuals charged with crimes related to the Capitol attack and seeks retribution against officials at the U.S. Justice Department prosecuting him in multiple cases.
Republicans, particularly in the House and Senate, are following Trump’s lead in questioning the fairness of the justice system and rallying their base. Former Speaker Paul Ryan’s recent comments criticizing Trump led to immediate backlash from Trump allies, showcasing the party’s loyalty to the former president. Only a few Republicans who voted to impeach Trump over Jan. 6 remain in office, with many GOP members aligning themselves with Trump’s message. While some Republican senators like Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski chose not to attend the closed-door session with Trump, others like Mitt Romney and Bill Cassidy are willing to work with him in anticipation of a possible return to the presidency. Despite concerns about the direction of the Trump Republican Party, Cassidy encouraged focusing on the present challenges rather than worrying about the future.
