In a detailed discussion on the future trajectory of President-elect Donald Trump, former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu provided insights on partisan challenges and strategies for early victories.
The Washington Examiner reported that Chris Sununu pointed out key areas where President-elect Trump can achieve legislative success by leveraging current political dynamics.
Sununu, a centrist Republican with a history of critiquing Trump, addressed concerns regarding the structure of the Democratic Party after the 2024 elections.
He indicated that the lack of leadership and coherence within the party might pose difficulties but also opportunities for the incoming administration.
Sununu advised that Trump and Republican lawmakers must find common ground with Democrats. This cooperation is essential for advancing Trump's agenda and securing legislative wins. The former governor pointed out the importance of swiftly capitalizing on the "political momentum" Trump holds in the early months of his presidency.
According to Sununu, Trump's initial desire to pass a comprehensive bill to set his agenda might not be the most effective approach.
Instead, breaking down the agenda into smaller, manageable pieces could potentially demonstrate his administration's effectiveness and encourage broader support.
Sununu expressed optimism about cooperation from key figures like House Speaker Johnson and Senator Thune, though he remained cautious about the broader Congressional response. The real test, he suggested, is whether the slim majority could align effectively to enact significant legislation promptly.
Outside of domestic policy, Sununu mentioned international conflicts where Trump might make progress without needing Congressional approval. Resolving tensions and fostering peace in regions like Israel and Ukraine could be pivotal, especially considering these areas' current fatigue from prolonged conflicts.
Sununu’s insights extend to internal dynamics within the Republican Party as well. He recalled the controversial initial nomination of former Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general, which Trump later replaced with Pam Bondi after facing criticism. This move, according to Sununu, reflects the possible internal challenges Trump could face within his party.
The discussion of Trump's early days also touched on national issues like the ongoing wildfires in California. Governor Gavin Newsom extended an invitation to Trump to visit the state, signifying an immediate area where bipartisan cooperation could manifest.
As Trump's inauguration on January 20 approaches, Sununu’s comments underscore the significance of strategic legislative actions and bipartisan efforts. The former governor's analysis suggests a critical window of opportunity for Trump, emphasizing that swift actions could cement early successes in his presidency.
Sununu highlighted the reality of political momentum, which he believes Trump should utilize effectively within his first six months in office.
“The political momentum is real,” Sununu remarked, pointing towards a potentially transformative period for Trump if navigated wisely.
On the subject of the Democratic Party's structural problems, Sununu noted, “They [Democrats] have no structure.” This observation points to potential leverage points for Trump’s strategies if Democrats remain disorganized.
Conclusively, Sununu stated, “Will Congress respond? I know Speaker Johnson will, I think Thune will, but will the membership in that very narrow margin that they have right now understand that you get it done now or you get nothing done.” This emphasizes the urgent need for Trump to act decisively to harness the fleeting political momentum for substantial legislative achievements.