President-elect Donald Trump won’t take office for until January 20, 2025.
But the man has already put his foot on the proverbial gas pedal weeks ahead of his inauguration, ensure his agenda will hit the ground running on day one of his return to the White House.
Today, Trump just pulled of a subtle power play that left current Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer dumbfounded, and ensure Senate Republicans are already a step ahead of Schumer and his Senate pals come Jan. 20.
Here’s what transpired.
Today, Trump called in via phone and gave GOP senators a “pep talk” as Republicans met behind closed doors on how to rapidly pass Trump’s top priorities.
This according to sources in the closed-door meeting who spoke with Axios.
Among the top priorities discussed by Trump and his GOP allies were, confirming all of Trump’s top administration positions as quickly as possible, funding the government for the rest of the year, agreeing to a top line budget number and potentially raising the debt limit.
This on top of other Trump priorities like immigration and border security — both of which he touted highly during his presidential campaign.
In addition to discussing his platform, the meeting also discussed a drastic shift in work hours for Republicans.
Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) warned Republican senators during their meeting Tuesday morning to expect longer, five-day work weeks — starting in the new year through Easter.
Thune addressed fellow GOP Senators telling them to gear up for long work days and work weeks to set up Trump’s administration and move fast on their own priorities, according to sources.
Many Republicans have complained about lax work schedules. In a normal week, senators usually arrive at the Capitol late Monday afternoon and fly home Thursday afternoon.
This would all change once the transition of power happens.
By getting a head start, and knowing that Trump will have to work hand-in-hand with the Senate to accomplish his agenda, he’s gotten a lengthy head start on Senate Democrats who will work to oppose Trump’s agenda.
As previously reported by The Horn News, another top priority of Republican leaders in Trump’s first 100 days in both chambers will be to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — Trump’s signature legislative achievement — before it expires at the end of 2025.