Trump's golden chance: Why 2025 could change American politics forever
With Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress next year Trump gets a rare political advantage. History shows that such moments of united government can lead to major changes in US policy
Donald Trump faces a unique moment in early-2025: hell have both the House and Senate under GOP control. With 53 Senate and 220 House seats its the smallest majority in history but still opens big doors for change
Looking back about 50 years ago Richard Nixon started what became normal in DC - split control between president and Congress. Since then most presidents had to deal with opposing parties running the show on Capitol Hill (which made it super-hard to get things done)
Some presidents got lucky with united government and used it well: Barack Obama pushed through health-care reform and financial rules about 15 years ago; Joe Biden recently scored wins with his mega-bills for infrastructure climate and tech. But others werent so smart with their chance:
- Jimmy Carter messed up by fighting with his own party
- Bill Clinton got stuck on failed health-care plans
- Both lost their majorities after two years
The clock is already ticking for Trump: heʼs got a small window to make big changes on immigration taxes and energy rules. But theres problems ahead - his style of jumping between issues and not focusing on details could waste precious time. Plus if just a few House Republicans dont agree with him: the whole thing falls apart
Every day closer to mid-terms makes it harder to keep Congress focused on the presidents plans instead of their re-election. Even with todays loyal GOP these two things dont always match up. The next two years might re-shape America - or end up as another missed chance
