Bracing for Two Years of Trench Warfare

All other things being equal, would rather have a Republican-controlled House and Senate than Democrats in charge of either.

But if the Democrats win a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in November — which appears likely as of this writing — it may not change the dynamics of this presidency much at all. Trump already acts as if the primary purpose of the House is to applaud during his State of the Union address, and that’s when he has a largely compliant and loyal Republican majority. He has always preferred to do things through . Passing legislation is arduous and time-consuming and often requires compromise.

About the Author

Jim Geraghty

Jim Geraghty is the senior political correspondent of National Review.

Featured Tags

All other things being equal, would rather have a Republican-controlled House and Senate than Democrats in charge of either.

But if the Democrats win a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in November — which appears likely as of this writing — it may not change the dynamics of this presidency much at all. Trump already acts as if the primary purpose of the House is to applaud during his State of the Union address, and that’s when he has a largely compliant and loyal Republican majority. He has always preferred to do things through . Passing legislation is arduous and time-consuming and often requires compromise.