Donald Trump is facing one of the most delicate political phases of his second term at the White House. The defeat of the Republicans in the midterm elections on November 3 has triggered a crisis within the MAGA movement, fueling internal tensions, questions about the future of conservative leadership, and concerns about the possible withdrawal of donors. In the background loom the war with Iran, the cost of living, and immigration policies, while the Democrats prepare to exert greater control over the administration.
According to reported electoral projections, the Democratic Party is set to gain a majority in both chambers of Congress. A scenario that could significantly complicate the last two years of Trump's presidency, increasing the risk of parliamentary inquiries and institutional clashes.
Shaking the conservative front is especially Steve Bannon, former strategist for the president and an influential figure in the American radical right. In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Bannon attributed the electoral result not so much to a personal rejection of Trump, but to voter disappointment with some of the administration's choices.
According to the former advisor, the White House has neglected the priorities of the MAGA movement, focusing excessively on foreign policy and failing to address the issue of illegal immigration with sufficient determination. The proposed solution is clear: accelerate mass deportations, intensify workplace controls, and quickly end the war with Iran.
Bannon also considers the cost of living one of the decisive factors in the Republican defeat. In his view, the Democrats managed to tap into economic discontent, also through proposals on healthcare and criticism of the concentration of wealth in the hands of large tech groups.
The new centrality of Stephen Miller in the administration would represent, according to Bannon, a sign of a more radical shift. The former strategist approves of the strengthening of the advisor's role, considered a staunch supporter of immigration policies, while criticizing the political management of chief of staff Susie Wiles.
The confrontation in Texas is expected to be particularly heated, where Bannon fears that some major cities may adopt policies favorable to the protection of illegal immigrants. A scenario that, according to the former advisor, could push Trump to resort to the National Guard or federal agents.
Another sensitive front concerns Pete Hegseth, head of the Pentagon, who has become the focus of impeachment hypotheses advanced in the political confrontation over the management of American military operations.
Trump has rejected the criticisms by publicly defending his Defense Secretary. «Pete Hegseth is guilty of two things: winning two wars,» he stated in an interview with CBS, referring to the conflict with Iran and the U.S. military operation in Venezuela to capture Nicolás Maduro.
The president has urged the Democrats to address the country's problems instead of focusing on a potential proceeding against Hegseth. Bannon, however, believes that the opposition could also use the War Powers Act to challenge the administration's military decisions.
Trump has also expressed calm regarding the possibility of a new impeachment against him. «I can't imagine it,» he said, claiming what he considers the best two years in American presidential history.
Meanwhile, the discussion on the 2028 Republican succession is opening. Trump has named Secretary of State Marco Rubio among the possible candidates for the White House, along with Vice President JD Vance.
«I think Marco is fantastic,» the president declared, confirming his confidence in the head of U.S. diplomacy. Rubio is expected to maintain his position even in the event of a government reshuffle, which Trump has not ruled out after the electoral defeat.
The president has not yet expressed a definitive preference among the potential Republican nominees. For Bannon, however, talking about succession today would be premature: without a correction of the political line on immigration, war, and the economy, any candidate risks starting off defeated.
Adding to the White House's busy days is the Dana White case, president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Trump had publicly suggested the possibility of appointing him as presidential spokesperson, a position left vacant after Katie Zacharia's resignation.
The proposal had caused surprise and even sparked confusion with Dana W. White, former Pentagon spokesperson during Trump's first term. In the end, the president downplayed the whole affair: «I was just joking, but Dana likes the idea a lot.»
Amid provocative statements, political tensions, and possible changes in the government team, Trump now has to contend with a potentially hostile Congress and a less cohesive electoral base.
Significant is also the president's admission about his immigration policy, described as «too harsh» during an interview with CBS. Words that contrast with the demands for further tightening made by the more radical wing of the MAGA movement and highlight the internal contradictions within the conservative coalition.
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved