A Ghost from Trump’s First Term Is Coming Back to Haunt Him

There were few surprises in what US President Donald Trump conveyed to his nation and the world during his joint address to the US Congress last week. The implications of his over 90-minute speech—one of the longest delivered in decades—will be felt in America in the coming weeks, especially as DOGE Chief Elon Musk’s actions have begun to stir controversy. It is in this context that the politics within the Beltway, as Washington’s political sphere is known, will shape the course of events.

Two distinct themes emerged in the February 25 speech, which essentially reiterated and expanded on the issues Trump highlighted during his campaign. First, he outlined his administration’s plans to restore America’s “greatness” and usher in a “golden era.” Second, the address showcased a clear display of partisanship, a growing characteristic of American politics.

Recognizing the deep polarization in the United States, Democratic leadership advised its members to avoid reactions that could allow Republicans to control the narrative. However, maintaining restraint proved difficult, as handheld signs and placards filled the chamber, expressing opposition to several measures announced by the new administration.

The deep divisions were unmistakable. While some Democrats held signs reading “Save Medicaid,” others displayed cards with messages like “Lies” or “Protect Veterans” as Trump listed budgetary allocations from the previous administration that he claimed benefited “dubious” or “non-priority” groups.

Meanwhile, senior Democratic Congressman Al Green of Texas was escorted out of the House for interrupting the President’s speech. Green had previously introduced an impeachment motion against Trump during his first term and had threatened to do so again last month. Several women lawmakers wore pink attire to protest policies they deemed anti-women, while others staged a walkout. By the end of the speech, most Democrats had exited the floor, leaving Republicans applauding.

In the coming weeks, Trump and his team will need congressional support to pass proposals, implement tax reforms, and amend existing laws. Although Republicans control both the House and the Senate, their majority is slim. Navigating the typical political maneuvering on Capitol Hill will require adept deal-making—a challenge for the administration despite its inherent strengths.

Having experienced the complexities of his first term, President Trump is well aware that even members of his own party can derail his plans. Unlike in parliamentary democracies, where party whips enforce discipline, each bill in Congress requires negotiation. It is not uncommon for lawmakers to support bills introduced by members of the opposing party, driven by their own policy priorities or the interests of their constituents.

While discussing his plan to offer tax breaks for loans on American-made cars, Trump turned to the Democrats and urged them to support the measure, along with other proposals like ending taxes on tips, overtime pay, and social security benefits. In his characteristic style, he mocked the Democrats: “… And I’m sure people on my right—I don’t mean the Republican right but my right here [occupied by Democrats]—I’m sure you’re going to vote for those tax cuts because I don’t believe people will ever vote for you,” he said, adding, “I’m doing you a big favor by telling you that.”

While Trump’s remarks angered the Democrats, his administration must also consider the GOP’s actions. Days before the speech, the House narrowly voted—217 to 215—to advance Trump’s legislative agenda after a last-minute effort to sway skeptical Republicans. The priorities included measures on border security, energy, and taxes, marking a major test for the GOP and Speaker Mike Johnson, who had to cancel and then reschedule the vote. A group of conservative Republicans opposed the measure, arguing it failed to sufficiently reduce the deficit.

This episode underscores the difficulty of the road ahead.

A faction of GOP lawmakers also resisted Trump’s suggestion to repeal the CHIPS and Science Act, a 2022 law that allocated $52 billion for domestic semiconductor manufacturing and enjoyed bipartisan support. Coupled with the Democratic lawmakers’ growing unease, this sets the stage for efforts to stall the President’s agenda, particularly as the administration seeks to amend laws passed during Biden’s presidency.

The widening divide between lawmakers on both sides reflects the deep political rift that emerged during Trump’s first term, persisted during the interim, and has now resurfaced with greater intensity. This makes it increasingly challenging for moderates in either party to find common ground.

(K.V. Prasad is a senior Delhi-based journalist)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author