President Donald Trump is reshaping Congress to his will, steamrolling past Democratic opposition while rallying Republicans behind a high-stakes tax cut plan and billionaire Elon Musk’s radical cost-cutting vision.
This power play sets the stage for Trump’s much-anticipated congressional address on Tuesday, just five weeks into his second term and days ahead of a critical March 14 funding deadline. Typically, such a deadline would give Democrats leverage, but their reluctance to risk a government shutdown has left them scrambling for alternative strategies—primarily relying on the courts to slow Trump’s momentum.
The shift is stark compared to Trump’s first term, when Democrats led a fierce resistance, and Republican infighting stalled his tax initiatives. Back then, Trump struggled to control federal spending and took political hits from two government shutdowns. Now, he stands emboldened, commanding a more compliant Congress that appears willing to overlook controversial moves like slashing the federal workforce and unilaterally canceling government contracts. With minimal opposition, his tax plan—requiring just a simple majority in both chambers—could be enacted as soon as May.
Democrats Struggle to Slow Trump’s Tax Blitz
Democrats are zeroing in on Trump’s tax plan, which proposes deep cuts to safety-net programs like Medicaid and food aid while offering major tax breaks to the wealthy. However, if Trump maintains his current momentum, their opposition may amount to little more than fuel for the 2026 election cycle.
For weeks, Democrats attempted to tie Musk’s financial maneuvers into government funding negotiations, hoping to curb his influence. But with Republicans holding firm and Democrats hesitant to force a shutdown, their bargaining power has all but evaporated.
“I’m not for shutting the government down,” admitted Representative Rosa DeLauro, a key Democratic negotiator in the House.
Others echoed similar concerns. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine suggested he would prefer safeguards against mass government layoffs but admitted uncertainty about their viability. Meanwhile, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen questioned whether Trump would even abide by legislative constraints, given his disregard for congressional spending authority.
The House GOP’s proposed solution? A stopgap bill extending current funding through September 30—effectively neutralizing any new restrictions or expansions of government programs, including Musk’s ventures.
A Fast-Tracked Tax Overhaul
Unlike the chaotic rollout of the 2017 tax bill, this time Congress is moving with unprecedented speed, giving businesses and individuals more time to prepare for sweeping changes.
What once seemed like pipe dreams—ending taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits—are now gaining serious traction. Just last week, the House passed a $4.5 trillion tax cut framework in a dramatic, down-to-the-wire vote. Trump, wielding his influence, personally quelled last-minute conservative resistance with direct calls to key lawmakers.
The plan, expected to add nearly $3 trillion to the national deficit over a decade, also raises the debt ceiling by $4 trillion. Fiscal hardliners, who previously opposed such measures, surprisingly fell in line.
“It’s a new day,” declared conservative Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina.
Senate Republicans are now using a legislative loophole—treating the extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts as budget-neutral—to clear the path for even more tax breaks. Speaker Mike Johnson, after discussing the strategy with Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, now faces the challenge of selling it to deficit-conscious conservatives. But key figures, like Texas Representative Chip Roy, have already signaled their willingness to back the plan—if it includes an additional trillion dollars in spending cuts.
The proposed tax cuts could eliminate the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions, scrap the estate tax, and permanently end taxation on tips and overtime pay. Trump has even floated the idea of issuing $5,000 stimulus checks, a move that could further bolster his popularity among working-class voters.
North Dakota Senator John Hoeven called Trump the most dominant president he’s seen in budget negotiations.
“This is his second time around. He’s got the experience,” Hoeven said, citing Trump’s direct involvement in securing the House budget vote.
But Democrats see an opportunity in 2026. Their strategy hinges on painting the GOP’s tax cuts—funded by reductions in Medicaid, food stamps, Pell Grants, and other essential programs—as a betrayal of working Americans. One Democratic super PAC, House Majority Forward, is already running ads in swing districts highlighting Medicaid cuts, which could impact nearly a quarter of U.S. citizens.
“Today’s ad is just the beginning, and we will make sure every American knows exactly who is responsible,” said Mike Smith, the PAC’s president.
As Trump flexes his political muscle and tightens his grip on Congress, the stage is set for a high-stakes legislative battle that could redefine the economic landscape for years to come.
