Washington in Transition: Trump’s Second Term Sparks Swift Policy Changes and Power Shifts
Just days after securing a historic second term, President-elect Donald Trump moves to set a bold agenda, while Republicans prepare to lead Congress.
Washington, D.C.— Only three days after Election Day, Washington is in a flurry of activity as President-elect Donald Trump and his team waste no time in setting a forceful agenda for his second term. In a remarkable shift of power, Republicans are poised to control both chambers of Congress, with Trump promising swift action on key policies.
With his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, Trump and his transition team are looking to fulfill major campaign promises and reverse several Biden-era policies. At the forefront is Trump’s commitment to overhaul immigration, starting with the deportation of an estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants and rolling back policies that provided pathways for migrants to live and work in the United States.
In filling key administration roles, Trump has signaled a strategic direction by naming prominent allies, with notable women in top positions. Susie Wiles, a trusted campaign manager and daughter of football legend Pat Summerall, has been appointed as White House Chief of Staff—the first woman to ever hold the powerful role. New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is being considered as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, though no final decision has been made.
These decisions mark a pivotal reshaping of the White House, as the administration is expected to take a hardline stance on immigration, law and order, and economic policy.
Republicans Gain Ground in Congress
Alongside the White House shift, Republicans have made a significant power grab in Congress, now projected to control both the House and Senate. The GOP achieved a major upset in Pennsylvania, with Republican David McCormick defeating Democratic incumbent Bob Casey, helping Republicans secure a narrow Senate majority with 53 seats. McCormick’s win echoes the nationwide trend of GOP candidates gaining traction and reducing Democratic support.
As Republicans prepare to assume control, the Trump administration’s agenda faces strong opposition from several states, particularly on issues of immigration and women’s rights. California Attorney General Rob Banta vowed to counter Trump’s policies on reproductive rights, stating, “I will use the full force of the law… to stand up for all people, especially those who have been long overlooked.” California Governor Gavin Newsom has also called for a special legislative session to prepare legal challenges against anticipated federal policies, particularly those on immigration, climate, and women’s rights. Governors from Illinois and New York have expressed similar intentions.
Costs and Controversies Around Mass Deportations
One of Trump’s most ambitious plans—mass deportation of undocumented immigrants—has already stirred debate on its feasibility and cost. Analysts project that such an initiative could cost upwards of $88 billion per year. Yet, Trump remains steadfast, dismissing concerns about the price tag in a recent interview with NBC News, asserting, “There is no price tag to safety.”
A New Chapter in U.S. Politics
Trump’s swift actions and high-profile appointments signal a clear departure from prior policies, with the administration prioritizing a strong stance on immigration and national security. As the power dynamic shifts in Washington, Republican lawmakers are eager to support the administration’s agenda, while key states are preparing to push back.
In the days ahead, all eyes will be on Capitol Hill as the nation witnesses a fresh chapter of U.S. governance unfold—a period marked by rapid policy shifts, renewed partisan clashes, and a redefined role for America on the global stage.
