Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency poses significant risks to the checks and balances designed by the founders of the United States. With a Supreme Court partly shaped by Trump himself, the judicial branch now offers a protective shield that could embolden presidential misconduct. A recent ruling indicated that presidents enjoy near-total immunity from criminal prosecution for actions performed in office, likely influencing the court’s approach to future Trump-related cases. As he prepares to return to the White House, these legal predicaments may vanish altogether, creating a conducive environment for Trump to leverage his newfound power for potentially misguided purposes, unencumbered by the legal constraints that previously guided presidential conduct.
Looking ahead, Trump’s influence over Congress could be even more profound. If Republicans maintain narrow control of both the Senate and House, as seems likely, Trump’s leverage will heighten compared to that of his first term. Congressional leaders who once exhibited some degree of independence or reluctance to align closely with Trump are likely to adopt a more docile attitude, driven by fear of alienating a fervent base. The contrast between past Republican leaders like Paul Ryan and the current leadership under figures such as Mike Johnson indicates a marked shift; the earlier ambivalence has given way to unqualified allegiance to Trump’s agenda. This ‘bowing and scraping’ from Congress marks a fundamental change that could enable a potentially unchecked Trump administration.
Historically, Trump’s first term lacked a coherent legislative agenda, beyond a few significant issues like tax cuts. Despite initial hesitations, Republican members of Congress eventually became complicit in Trump’s ambitions, providing essential support for legislation that disproportionately benefited wealthy Americans and corporations. As the next term unfolds, predictions point toward the extension and expansion of those tax cuts, significantly increasing national debt. Trump’s notorious “Project 2025,” a manifesto expressing a far-right agenda, could serve as the foundation for a sweeping legislative agenda, despite its unpopularity. His administration may push aggressively for measures that dismantle current federal systems, reshape social policy, and instigate culture conflicts.
The dynamics within the Senate further illustrate diminished resistance to Trump’s administration. Under new leadership, such as John Thune or John Cornyn, the Senate is unlikely to oppose Trump’s initiatives vocally. The anticipated Republican majority seems poised to confirm Trump’s nominations, including potentially controversial figures, since dissenting voices have become less influential. Concerns around nominations and policies will likely take a back seat to party loyalty, creating a confirmation process that might validate even the most extreme individuals in Trump’s orbit.
Despite the risks posed by a Trump-led administration, one observable outcome could be overreach. Given the unpopularity of much of Trump’s far-right agenda, the potential for backlashting from public discontent looms. Should Republicans enact measures that are poorly received, the consequences could reverberate in subsequent elections. Historically, midterm elections have produced losses for the party holding the presidency, and if Trump’s governance swings wide of the mainstream electorate, a correction could be in store for the GOP in 2026.
In conclusion, the confluence of a Trump presidency, a compliant Congress, and a judicial system favoring executive immunity presents a precarious scenario. While the groundwork has already been laid for significant policy changes and a potential departure from federal norms, the inevitable pushback from the electorate might reshape these dynamics in the midterms. This anticipation of backlash and political reckoning offers a speculated reprieve and the possibility that Trump’s looming term, though initially expansive in power, will eventually dredge up necessary opposition from a politically awakened public.