Trump has Washington in the palm of his hand as GOP wins House control after reclaiming Senate

Though a razor-thin victory, the House control will allow Donald Trump to pass major bills without the support of Democrats

Donald Trump U.S. President-elect Donald Trump gestures as he meets with House Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., November 13, 2024. | Reuters

After an emphatic victory in the presidential elections, US president-elect Donald Trump will have a free hand in Washington when he takes over the White House in January. This is thanks to the Republicans retaking the Senate and retaining the control of the House of Representatives.

With GOP controlling the Congress, Trump can easily appoint officials in his Cabinet and other senior administration posts for the next two years.

Trump had already sealed his victory in the popular votes and Electoral College. Now the Republicans have bagged the minimum 218 seats required to claim majority against 208 seats won by Democrats.

Though a razor-thin victory, the House control will allow Trump to pass major bills without the support of Democrats. 

One of the top priorities for Trump and his MAGA allies will be border security. During his campaign, Trump had asserted that the southern border with Mexico will be "sealed" on Day 1 of his presidency. He recently appointed Tom Homan as the "border czar", repeating his call for the largest deportation in the US history.

Another important step would be extending tax cuts introduced during Trump's first administration and restricting government spending.

The Republicans elected Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise to lead for two more years on Wednesday. In the Senate, South Dakota Senator John Thune was elected in a secret ballot as the Senate majority leader, defeating MAGA-backed Florida Senator Rick Scott, who was endorsed by Elon Musk.

Republicans also voted to reelect House Majority Whip Tom Emmer besides picking Michigan Rep Lisa McClain as conference chair.

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