Partisanship and Power: Examining Donald Trump’s Congressional Allies and Adversaries

The 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, has been a lightning rod for controversy since taking office in 2017. One of the most notable aspects of his presidency has been his relationships with members of Congress, particularly when it comes to his legislative agenda. In this article, we will examine Trump’s congressional allies and adversaries, examining the various ways in which their partisanship has shaped his presidency.

Partisan Wars: Trump’s Congressional Allies and Adversaries

From the moment he took office, it was clear that Trump’s presidency would be marked by an unprecedented level of partisanship. His election victory was a stark rebuke to the Washington establishment, and his presidency was met with resistance from many in Congress. However, Trump also had a number of allies on Capitol Hill who were eager to work with him to pass his legislative agenda.

One of Trump’s most significant allies was Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), who had once run against him in the 2016 Republican primary. Cruz was a key player in the early days of the Trump presidency, helping to shepherd through legislation such as the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Trump’s other key allies included House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who helped to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who has been a consistent ally of the President on many legislative matters.

However, Trump has also had his fair share of adversaries on Capitol Hill. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and his fellow Hawkish Republicans, such as Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and John McCain’s fellow Arizona Senator, Jeff Flake, have been vocal in their opposition to many of Trump’s policies. These lawmakers have been joined by Democratic lawmakers, such as Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who has been a vocal critic of the President’s economic policies.

The Consequences of Partisanship: A Less Effective Government

The deep partisanship that has defined the Trump presidency has had far-reaching consequences for the federal government. One of the most significant impacts has been a sharply divided Congress, with legislative blocking and and a lack of effective governance. This has led to a series of government shutdowns, stalemates, and a lack of meaningful legislation.

Moreover, the partisanship has also led to a breakdown in the process of governance, with many lawmakers prioritizing their own re-election chances over the good of the country. This has led to a cycle of extreme partisanship, where lawmakers are more concerned with winning the next election than with passing meaningful legislation.

Conclusion

The partisanship that has defined the Trump presidency has led to a less effective government, with a focus on winning the next election rather than passing meaningful legislation. While Trump has had some allies on Capitol Hill, he has also faced significant opposition from lawmakers who are more concerned with scoring political points than with governing. As the 2020 election season heats up, it is likely that this partisanship will only continue to escalate, leading to even more gridlock and inefficiency in Washington.

FAQs

Q: What is the current composition of Congress?
A: The 116th Congress is composed of 53 Republicans and 45 Democrats in the Senate, and 230 Republicans and 193 Democrats in the House of Representatives.

Q: What are some of the key legislative priorities of the Trump presidency?
A: Some of the key legislative priorities of the Trump presidency include tax reform, healthcare reform, and infrastructure development.

Q: How has the Trump presidency changed the way Congress operates?
A: The Trump presidency has led to a more divided Congress, with lawmakers more focused on winning the next election than on passing meaningful legislation.

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