‘This Doesn’t Need to Be a Decision Made Upon High’: Divisions Emerge Within GOP Over Trump’s Policy Agenda as Republicans Clash on Priorities

Republicans have yet to fully take control of Congress, but divisions are already emerging over how to advance Donald Trump’s policy agenda, Politico reported on Wednesday. The crux of the issue lies in whether the GOP should prioritize Trump’s tax plan or his immigration policies first, all while grappling with a narrow majority in the House that limits their ability to pass key elements of the MAGA agenda.

The rift was sparked when newly-elected Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) suggested that the GOP’s proposed legislative package be split into two parts. The first would tackle border and energy policies, with the goal of passing it within the first 30 days of a new Trump administration, while the second would address tax reforms.

This proposal has drawn mixed reactions across the party, with Thune’s plan raising concerns on both sides of the aisle. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has endorsed Thune’s strategy, but several House Republicans, including key committee chairs, have voiced reservations. Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), chair of the House Budget Committee, emphasized that the decision on how to move forward should involve input from all members. “Our members need to weigh in on that,” Arrington said.

“This doesn’t need to be a decision that’s made upon high, okay? We’re all unified around the objectives, [but] how we roll it out, the tactics and strategies, still under discussion.” The tensions between the House and Senate Republicans have also highlighted frustrations over the differing dynamics in both chambers.

Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) pointed out the imbalance in power, noting that while the Senate GOP has a larger majority, the House GOP’s thin majority makes it much more difficult to secure votes. “They have a bigger majority in the Senate than we have in the House,” Schweikert said. “And the problem is: Thune is managing his traditional Senate ideas, not realizing we have one or two votes to give on our side.”

This internal GOP conflict comes at a time when Trump has further complicated matters by appointing House members to positions in his administration, temporarily reducing the GOP majority in the House. As Republicans struggle to find common ground on strategy, the challenges ahead in executing Trump’s policy agenda remain significant.