As the lame-duck session of Congress commences, President-elect Donald Trump's influence is already being felt across various critical legislative matters. Lawmakers are facing the imminent threat of a government shutdown and internal Republican leadership contests that Trump is actively shaping.
House Speaker Mike Johnson's strategy for the funding fight remains uncertain, with Trump yet to provide guidance on key issues, including the looming December 20 government spending deadline. While some Republicans advocate for a spending deal during the lame-duck session, others prefer to defer decisions until Trump assumes office in 2025, potentially complicating Johnson's path to the speakership.
