Donald Trump’s return to Capitol Hill marks his first visit since leaving the presidency, aimed at discussing a forward-looking legislative agenda for 2025 with Republican lawmakers. However, behind the scenes, Trump is intensely focused on immediate legislative priorities, particularly in using congressional power to combat perceived Democratic efforts to undermine him through the justice system.
Following his recent conviction on numerous felony counts in New York, Trump has launched a concerted effort to rally support within Congress to overturn the verdict. This effort began with a direct, expletive-laden call to Speaker Mike Johnson, whom Trump sees as crucial to leading this charge.
Johnson, already sympathetic to Trump’s grievances against what he views as judicial overreach, has engaged in multiple discussions with Trump on the matter. Despite his support, Johnson faces challenges rallying enough votes from within his own party. Key initiatives such as impeaching President Joe Biden and targeting prosecutors investigating Trump have encountered significant resistance, highlighting the delicate balance Johnson navigates with his slim majority and wary swing-district members.
Efforts to pass bills allowing state-level cases against presidents to be moved to federal courts, effectively neutralizing prosecutors like Alvin Bragg and Fani Willis, have stalled due to lack of sufficient support. Even proposals to use appropriations to curb special counsel investigations have met skepticism within Republican ranks.
