In the cutthroat world of politics, it’s not unusual for certain members to grab the spotlight by causing a bit of chaos. But it seems the usually tight-lipped team players are stepping up, and their new-found fame has everyone scratching their heads. The House, famous for its squabbling, is now showcasing a new generation of attention-seeking rebels, eager to emulate the uproarious tactics of the Freedom Caucus. It’s as if some Republican members from swing or even blue states decided that stirring the pot could be their ticket to relevance—a new episode in the political soap opera that is Congress.
Conservative voices have long been critical of anyone who seems more interested in creating gridlock than in getting things done. However, the landscape in Washington is evolving, and the old timers might find themselves having to adopt new tricks. Moonlighting as professional foot-draggers is starting to pay off for some, much to the chagrin of those who remember a time when teamwork ruled the day. Meanwhile, the House is busy with talks of reconciliation, recision, and all things procedural—discretionary spending might as well have been turned into a parlor game at this point.
For the President, this political circus is both a blessing and a curse. He is a busy man with stern problems at home and abroad, but he’s also known for his uncanny ability to armtwist members of the House and Senate. His fingerprints are likely to be on the upcoming legislative magic show, with rumors of the biggest tax-cut package in history—no small feat in a nation where tax policy can bring even the most hardened wonk to tears. This proposal is set to expand on previous tax cuts and sprinkle a few more goodies for those who spent last year’s State of the Union dreaming of a tax-free future.
Meanwhile, the President’s approach to trade is giving some a serious case of the jitters. His administration’s focus on a fair trade playing field has caused quite a stir, especially for those who’d rather not wait for the results of yet another economic shuffle. Yet, it’s clear that the President is serious about reinvigorating American manufacturing and getting tough on trade partners that have played the U.S. like a cheap fiddle. It seems we’re rolling back the years to reclaim America’s manufacturing glory days—a dream many thought had been packed away with rotary phones and milk deliveries.
As if tax cuts and trade wars weren’t enough, the President is also tackling immigration with a gusto that few saw coming. The administration’s focus is on removing illegal immigrants, especially those who’ve committed crimes, from the country. With record low border crossings being trumpeted like a badge of honor, the approach mixes technology with enforcement to address the immigration issues left behind by previous administrations. It’s a showreel of political acrobatics, with the President at the helm striding confidently towards the finish line—or the next big headline, whichever comes first.
