### Trump’s Influence Looms Over Congress as GOP Majority Remains Fragile

Republicans jubilantly made their way back to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, energized by recent elections that have brought them to the threshold of controlling both congressional chambers. However, they are now confronted with significant questions about their strategies and the extent of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s influence on their new majority.

A pivotal decision awaits GOP senators on Wednesday, marking the first instance since 2007 when they will elect a new party leader, with Mitch McConnell not in the running. Three contenders have been maneuvering for this position for months, with Senator John Thune of South Dakota perceived as the frontrunner. Nonetheless, some of Trump’s allies are urging him to intervene against Thune.

Simultaneously, Trump’s efforts to appoint loyal Congress members to his administration have presented a dilemma given the already slim Republican majority anticipated in the House. With Trump nominating two House members for top national security roles, GOP leaders on Tuesday expressed concerns about losing more members and straining their precarious hold on the House.

As stated by one Republican leader, "I don't expect that we will have more members leaving, but I'll leave that up to him," highlighting the uncertainty surrounding potential further appointments by Trump.

Currently, the control of the House remains undecided with several closely contested races still in play. Republicans have managed to secure 214 seats while Democrats hold 205. With 218 seats needed for a majority, Republicans are expected to reach this threshold, albeit by a very narrow margin, reminiscent of the turbulent governance challenges they’ve faced over the past two years.