What Trump's move to wade into spending fight signals for next 4 yrs

Donald Trump's intervention in the latest government funding battle highlighted the chaos and division likely to shape his second term.

- Associated Press

After days of ultimatums and shifting demands, the president-elect failed to secure a debt limit increase but did force Republicans to trim spending in the bipartisan budget deal.

Despite his commanding election win, Trump's sway over his party showed cracks, with many Republicans defying him during the contentious negotiations. His push to derail the deal demonstrated his tendency to disrupt rather than build consensus, setting the stage for continued infighting and brinkmanship.

"Stay tuned. Buckle up," said Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., capturing the mood on Capitol Hill.

Trump's agenda for the next four years—extending tax cuts, slashing government size, increasing tariffs, and cracking down on illegal immigration—will require congressional support.

But with slim Republican majorities in the House and Senate, the challenges are evident.