Trump US union speech agenda may tempt some Democrats

Significance

With split control of Congress and divergent policy priorities in many areas between Democrats and Republicans, only parts of Trump’s suggested agenda stand much chance of becoming law by January 2021, when this Congress ends. This was instead a war-fighting address: Trump gave some ‘meat’ to his core supporters while also appealing to centrist and swing voters whose support Republicans (and Democrats) need in November 2020.

Impacts

• Trump could still declare a national emergency over the US-Mexico border, likely provoking a legal and political fight.
• Senate Republicans will watch Trump’s foreign policy carefully, working to redirect and control it when they feel necessary.
• As this Congress progresses, the Democratic caucus will face increasing pressure to stay united.