Staff Reports
Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration as the 47th president on January 20, 2025, is nothing short of a political spectacle, showcasing both an imperial presidency and a blistering critique of Congressional Republicans who have fallen woefully short of their responsibilities. With a Republican majority in Congress, one would expect a vigorous pushback against the big government machinations left by Joe Biden. Instead, Congress seems more interested in Twitter battles and television appearances than real governance, leaving Trump to clean up the mess almost single-handedly.
The framers of the Constitution envisioned Congress as the preeminent branch of government, designed to curb executive overreach and safeguard liberties. However, history has shown a gradual shift, particularly since the 1930s when Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal ignited an explosion in federal agencies and spending. As a result, Congress relinquished its power, paving the way for a massive bureaucracy that now dwarfs the legislative body’s intentions. Trump’s agile dismantling of Biden’s legacy, often executed through executive orders, is a testament to this unsettling trend where the executive branch has become a formidable force in governance.
Republicans in Congress should take a hard look in the mirror regarding their role in this reality. The party, even while enjoying majorities, has often leaned on empty rhetoric rather than meaningful action. The sluggish response to pressing issues like border security and fiscal responsibility has left voters disenchanted, enabling an expansive government structure to thrive unchecked. In the face of this daunting situation, Trump’s actions have been necessary, but they exist precariously in a political environment where Congressional apathy could be lethal come the next election cycle.
CIA Veteran: Trump Is Tackling the GOP's Greatest Failure: “Republicans, holding Congressional majorities, have failed to govern—hiding behind tweets and TV stunts while Trump’s gains risk reversal in 2029.
Their inaction endangers the republic.” https://t.co/gJXHrWFmXh pic.twitter.com/7HOf7NfsKe
— The Western Journal (@WestJournalism) March 12, 2025
The expansion of executive powers has roots that date back decades, with legislative bodies frequently playing an acquiescent role in the face of executive demands. Post-9/11, for instance, saw the arise of extensive surveillance and militarization of federal agencies without sufficient oversight from Congress. Under the guise of national security and efficiency, Congress has often chosen to stand on the sidelines, allowing the executive branch to accumulate authority. This has played into Trump’s presidential strategy as he seeks to capitalize on these existing structures while also laying the foundation for his agenda.
As Trump prepares for his next term, there exists a clear Republican duty to legislate and codify his ambitious proposals on issues like immigration and economic deregulation. Unless Congressional Republicans step up and exert their authority, they risk leaving Trump’s gains vulnerable to a reversal should Democrats regain power. The clock is ticking toward 2029, and with each inaction, the window for securing their legacy narrows. Figures like Thomas Massie, Nancy Mace, and Rand Paul must be the guiding lights in reshaping the narrative, advocating for a more responsible fiscal approach, and ensuring that defense and intelligence programs are kept in check.
The time for half-measures is over. If Republicans hope to preserve the gains Trump has made—and truly secure the future of the republic—they need to stop ceding ground to executive overreach and take concrete steps toward robust legislation. Otherwise, 2029 could mark a disastrous retreat into the very policies Republicans claim to oppose. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with both Trump’s agenda and the principles of the Constitution hanging in the balance. The challenge is clear: act decisively or face the consequences of their inaction.
