Trump's Influence Faces Challenges Amid Congressional Chaos

Donald Trump is exerting influence over the Republican-led Congress, particularly in matters of federal spending and Cabinet appointments, as seen in the recent Matt Gaetz episode. While some GOP lawmakers privately resist, they are cautious of Trump's potential backlash. Speaker Mike Johnson is deferring to Trump on a funding deal, with a government shutdown looming. The situation highlights the tension between Congress's legislative authority and Trump's executive ambitions, as Republicans navigate their relationship with the former president.