House GOP Prepares for Trump’s Return, Promising Swift Action on “America First” Agenda
House Speaker Mike Johnson, standing before the Capitol, declared the Republicans’ unwavering commitment to deliver on President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda. He assured the public that the GOP, having learned from past mistakes, is fully prepared for a second-term Trump White House. “We’re going to raise an ‘America First’ banner above this place,” he proclaimed, standing alongside GOP leaders, exuding a sense of determination.
Trump is scheduled to meet with Johnson at the Capitol on Wednesday, coinciding with his visit to the White House. The president-elect has invited Johnson to Mar-a-Lago this weekend to strategize for the new administration, which is expected to focus on a stringent “America First” platform: securing the southern border, strengthening U.S. presence on the world stage, and pushing back against “wokeness and radical gender ideology.” Johnson emphasized that Republicans would lead a united front despite the House’s uncertain control status.
“We are ready to deliver on America’s mandate,” Johnson said. “We will be ready on day one. We are prepared this time.”
With Congress reconvening, the GOP is accelerating efforts to implement Trump’s agenda, supported by an energized base aiming for dominance in Washington. House and Senate leaders are pushing forward, confident in what Trump views as a mandate for broad change, including mass deportations, regulatory rollbacks, and significant reductions in federal governance.
Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., an outspoken member of the House Freedom Caucus, said, “Trump’s going to deliver his deportations, the drilling, the wall — it’s going to take all of us getting together.”
However, Democrats remain resolute in providing opposition. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, referred to Trump’s immigration policies as “horrific” and pledged that progressive Democrats would act as an “effective check” against Trump’s initiatives, reminiscent of their previous efforts to counter his first-term agenda.
For the next eight weeks until Jan. 3, Congress will function as a “lame duck,” focusing on internal elections and the orientation of the incoming lawmakers. Tensions are already apparent in the Senate, where Republican leaders rally behind GOP contenders in the race to replace outgoing GOP Leader Mitch McConnell. Senators are being lobbied to align with Trump’s preferences for Senate leadership.
In the House, Johnson, who aims to retain his position as Speaker, will need to secure a majority to lead. A low vote count could reveal leverage for conservative factions like the Freedom Caucus, which previously extended the voting process for then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023. Johnson may face similar challenges if Trump appoints House Republicans to key administration roles.
Looking ahead, Congress faces a Dec. 20 deadline to pass federal funding and avert a government shutdown. Conservatives are urging Johnson to stay firm on their demands for budget cuts. Additionally, Congress must replenish the Disaster Relief Fund for aid after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
With Biden preparing to step down, Democrats are pushing to confirm as many judicial nominees as possible before Trump assumes office. This marks a significant shift in Washington’s political landscape as the GOP readies for what Johnson calls “the most consequential” presidency and Congress in recent history.