The Powers That Be: Daily Trump's Divided G.O.P & Cabinet Conundrums
Jan 28, 2025
Leigh Ann Caldwell, Puck's chief Washington correspondent, shares insider insights on the fractured G.O.P. grappling with Trump's ambitious agenda. She discusses the internal conflicts as Republicans debate whether to consolidate policies into one extensive bill or split them up. Caldwell also previews the high-stakes nomination hearings for Tulsi Gabbard and R.F.K. Jr., highlighting the skepticism these figures face from Senate committees. The conversation reveals the intricate dynamics of power and strategy within contemporary American politics.
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One Bill or Two?
- Republicans are debating passing Trump's agenda as one large bill or splitting it into two.
- This process debate is important because it reflects the deep divisions within the narrow Republican House majority.
Republican Priorities
- Republicans want to extend the 2017 Trump tax cuts, increase border security funding, boost energy production, and modernize defense.
- They are struggling to decide whether to combine these priorities into one bill or split them into two due to internal factions.
Differing Approaches
- Most House Republicans favor one bill, believing it will appease all factions, while hardliners and Senate Republicans prefer two bills, prioritizing border security and energy.
- The hardliners believe a combined tax cut and budget cut bill will be difficult to pass due to disagreements on spending cuts.