President-elect Trump is putting Senate Republicans to the test by pushing for expanded executive powers, such as making recess appointments without Senate consent, a move that has prompted concern among GOP lawmakers.
Republicans are also preparing for the possibility that Trump may issue pardons for many individuals convicted in relation to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, a decision that could alienate senators who personally experienced the events of that day.
Senate leadership candidates back Trump’s push for broader authority in key appointments
Additionally, Trump’s threat to impose heavy tariffs on imports raises alarms within the party, as many Republicans worry about the economic consequences of such policies. “He’s consistently challenged the limits of presidential power, and it’s up to Congress to step in when necessary,” remarked a Senate Republican aide, who emphasized that GOP senators will act to protect their independence if Trump’s actions go too far.
Despite these concerns, Senate Republicans are hesitant to publicly criticize Trump following his overwhelming Election Day success. Most Senate Republicans are aligned with Trump on his major legislative priorities, especially regarding the extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
“While there will be disagreements, his main goals—tax cuts, deregulation, appointing judges, reducing military aid to Ukraine, and cracking down on immigration—will receive strong support,” said Darrell West, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.
Experts suggest that any potential opposition from lawmakers could prompt Trump to threaten primary challenges, silencing many critics within his party. Trump has already moved to assert influence over the Senate leadership, demanding that the next Senate majority leader reinstate his power to make recess appointments.
This move comes just days after his election victories. The top candidates for Senate majority leader—John Thune, John Cornyn, and Rick Scott—have all agreed that Trump should have broader authority to fill key positions. This demonstration of force has sparked curiosity among Republican strategists about how else Trump may assert his authority on Capitol Hill.
One strategist speculated that Trump might push for the abolition of the Senate filibuster if his agenda stalls, recalling his previous push on this issue in 2018. “If he presses Senate Republicans on this again, his supporters will likely rally behind him,” the strategist said.
Beyond appointments, Trump is expected to test his Senate colleagues with decisions like pardoning individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection. Such a move could create tensions, especially with those Republicans who were directly impacted by the Capitol attack.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, previously expressed concerns about the wisdom of pardoning those involved in the Capitol assault, calling it a “bad idea.” Senator Mike Rounds also cautioned against blanket pardons, stressing that those involved in the insurrection should face consequences for their actions.
Trump’s consideration of January 6 pardons adds tension within Senate Republican ranks
Another contentious issue is Trump’s tariff policy, which has sparked division within the Republican Party. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has expressed opposition to tariffs, highlighting their potential to raise consumer prices and hurt American businesses. Many GOP senators share McConnell’s free-trade stance, making tariffs a point of contention with Trump’s economic approach.
West noted that the tariff issue poses a serious challenge for Republicans, as they know it could drive inflation and give Democrats an advantage in the 2026 elections. Trump’s other policies, such as mass deportations of immigrants and aggressive workplace immigration raids, could put him at odds with Republican lawmakers who face pressure from businesses that rely on migrant labor.
With millions of undocumented workers now integral to the labor force, these policies could have widespread economic consequences. Trump’s failure to meet legal requirements, such as signing the ethics pledge by the October 1 deadline, adds to the tension between his administration and Senate Republicans.
This has drawn criticism from Democrats, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is accusing Trump’s team of legal violations. Some of Trump’s potential cabinet picks, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the Department of Health and Human Services, could face opposition from Senate Republicans.
Kennedy’s controversial views on public health have sparked alarm, and if nominated, he could face scrutiny from Republicans on the Senate Health Committee, including Senators Susan Collins and Bill Cassidy, both of whom are facing reelection in 2026.
As Trump pushes his agenda, Senate Republicans must balance loyalty with the realities of governing. If they fail to maintain their independence, it could jeopardize the party’s future success in 2026 or 2028.
