By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — After signing a flurry of executive orders on his first day in office, President Donald Trump, today, conducted his first official meeting with Congressional leaders.
Executive orders can be effective, but in certain instances, not as effective as laws. Getting legislation through Congress and signed into law can often define a presidency.
With a Republican trifecta in Washington, GOP leaders on Capitol Hill want a plan in place to advance their legislative agenda, quickly. Both Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R- SD) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R- LA) are working toward legislative victories, which could help them retain their majorities in 2026.
Around 3:30 this afternoon, Thune and Johnson met with President Trump at the White House to determine their best path for advancing Trump’s agenda. Among topics discussed at the meeting, was whether to combine Trump’s priorities into one large bill or two separate bills. The House and Senate leaders are at odds about the best approach.
“I think we have a good situation now,” said Trump when asked Tuesday evening about the meeting.
Trump suggested the process could be made easier due to federal relief for wildfires in California.
“It’s been in some ways made simpler by Los Angeles because they’re going to need a lot of money. And generally speaking, I think you find that a lot of Democrats are going to be asking for help,” said President Trump.
Earlier Tuesday afternoon on Capitol Hill, Democrats reacted to the slew of executive orders signed by the President well into the evening hours Monday.
“On day one, Donald Trump signed over 150 executive orders, dismantling years of progress on lowering costs for American families,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- NY). “With a flick of a pen, President Trump took steps to make it harder to enroll in health care and made Medicaid more restrictive. He even made it harder for Americans to save on prescription drugs.”
With a government funding deadline approaching and key tax provisions expiring at the end of this year, the House, the Senate and the White House are hoping to be in sync to get their agenda across the finish line. Even with full GOP control in Washington, narrow Republican majorities, especially in the House, could create challenges along the way.
