Frustrated lawmakers are looking to 2026 in the hopes that they can reclaim some of the power many fear they’ve ceded to the White House under Trump.
Over the course of 2025, the Trump administration unilaterally shuttered or drastically weakened federal agencies, implemented widespread tariffs, canceled congressionally approved spending and conducted military operations in the Caribbean.
Democrats repeatedly cried foul, and even some Republicans aired concerns about the White House brushing aside Congress. Scores of lawmakers opted for retirement before the calendar even turned to January.
Now many are wondering whether anything will be different next year, especially with the added political pressure of the approaching midterm elections.
As a non-american this is one of the most striking things about the Trump presidency.
Laws are made through a long process of consideration, debate, and revision. Govt institutions regulate and apply laws with extensive transparency and oversight. Its decentralised, cautious, and robust.
Conversely, Trump just decrees whatever he feels at any given time.
My point is, people from his own party should be outraged that theyre being side lined, and are unable to represent their constituents interests.
Times have changed, but just 10 years ago it was common in Australia for a political party to replace their own leader for similar reasons even when that party leader was prime minister.