Skip to content

Protest, retreat, hide? Congressional behavior, 2025-style

Political Theater, Episode 361

Rep. Melanie Stansbury holds a sign reading “This is not normal” as President Donald Trump enters the House chamber on Tuesday night to deliver his address to a joint session of Congress.
Rep. Melanie Stansbury holds a sign reading “This is not normal” as President Donald Trump enters the House chamber on Tuesday night to deliver his address to a joint session of Congress. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

In the early days of the second Trump administration, congressional Republicans and Democrats face decisions about how to react to White House-led actions. For Democrats, it can be boiled down to this: fight or retreat. Republicans are being advised to restrict contact with the public. We talk with Nathan Gonzales about what, at this point, makes the most sense politically.

Show Notes:

Recent Stories

Surveillance reauthorization stuck amid Trump’s Pulte pick

‘Anti-weaponization’ fund challengers question its demise

Partisan blame game falls on the Senate parliamentarian … again

GOP immigration funding bill clears House, heads to Trump

Trustees: Social Security, Medicare outlook slightly worse

Heavy security in advance of White House 250th festivities