WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump made his first visit to Capitol Hill since leaving office on Thursday, focusing on leveraging congressional power to counter Democrats’ legal actions against him. The visit aimed to discuss a potential 2025 legislative agenda but quickly turned towards Trump’s immediate legislative priorities, especially addressing his ongoing legal battles.
Trump’s Immediate Priorities
Trump’s main focus is on using congressional power to counter what he sees as the Democrats’ weaponization of the justice system against him. This campaign gained momentum following his conviction on 34 felony counts in New York. Trump’s efforts included a direct, intense call to Speaker Mike Johnson, urging him to overturn the conviction. Johnson, who has publicly sympathized with Trump and criticized the Manhattan District Attorney’s case, has been in frequent communication with Trump regarding the matter.
Challenges in Congress
Despite Johnson’s support, achieving Trump’s goals has been challenging. The House GOP has struggled to advance key initiatives, such as the impeachment of President Joe Biden and a contempt vote against Attorney General Merrick Garland. Additionally, proposals to limit the power of state prosecutors investigating Trump face uncertain prospects. One such proposal by Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) seeks to allow presidents charged at the state level to move cases to federal court, effectively undermining prosecutors like Alvin Bragg and Fani Willis.
Internal GOP Dynamics
The proposal to defund Special Counsel Jack Smith’s probe has sparked division within the GOP. While Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) supports targeting Smith through appropriations, others like Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) criticize the idea as counterproductive and potentially hypocritical. Simpson and other senior Republicans warn that such actions could be seen as weaponizing the justice system, mirroring the accusations Republicans levy against Democrats.
Educational Efforts and Future Meetings
House leaders are working to educate GOP members on the proposed legislative changes. Rep. Fry argues that extending the ability to move local cases to federal court to the president is a logical step, despite differences from other federal officials who currently have this privilege.
Trump’s Thursday meetings included a 9:30 a.m. session with House Republicans at the Capitol Hill Club and a 12:30 p.m. lunch with GOP senators at NRSC headquarters. While not explicitly focused on his legal issues, these meetings are expected to address them. The discussions are also aimed at uniting Republicans ahead of the election season and outlining plans should the GOP win a governing trifecta in November.
Trump’s Agenda for the Future
During his meetings, Trump plans to emphasize several key points:
- Protecting Social Security and Medicare without allowing cuts.
- Cracking down on border security.
- Implementing broad economic policies, including tax cuts and reducing prices.
- Reversing Biden’s foreign policy priorities.
These points reflect Trump’s broader vision for a potential return to office and his ongoing influence over the GOP’s legislative agenda.
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