Trump returns to Capitol Hill for first time since January 6 riots as he begins work to 'Save America'

Donald Trump

He met with Republicans from the House of Representatives and the Senate

Reuters
Ray Addison

By Ray Addison


Published: 13/06/2024

- 17:22

He met with Republicans from the House of Representatives and the Senate

The last time Donald Trump was anywhere near Capitol Hill, he urged supporters to “fight like hell” ahead of the failed insurrection on January 6, 2021.

This morning, the former president returned to meet Republicans in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.


Although, current polling puts him just one or two points ahead of President Biden, which is well within the margin of error, Trump appears keen to build a strong foundation as he eyes victory in the November 5 election."

The meeting will be forward-focused on how Republicans can work together to advance policies to save America, including protecting Social Security and Medicare, securing the southern border, and cutting taxes for hardworking families," a senior Trump campaign official said.

Donald Trump

There were protesters waiting for him

Getty

For some the visit is a worrying reminder of what went down more than three years ago, with many believing Trump's claims of election fraud inspired the attack on the Capitol.

It's not surprising then that protesters were waiting for the former president’s motorcade.

However, he managed to avoid them by pulling up to the side entrance of a Republican office building a block from where insurrectionists took on police, politicians, and democracy itself.

Both Trump and Joe Biden enjoyed unified governments in their first two years in office, but saw their parties lose control of the House during midterm elections, which impeded their ability to pass legislation.

Trump has since admitted he was naive to the way Washington worked during his first term in office, but says he now understands who he needs to get onboard to successfully roll out his political agenda.

Donald Trump

Republicans hope a victory for Trump could help them take full control of both houses

GETTY

And Republicans hope a victory for Trump could help them take full control of both houses.

Although they currently have a majority in the House, at 218-213 its razor-thin and Democrats control the Senate by 51-49.

"Our ability to get a majority in the Senate is intrinsically linked to President Trump winning.

So, we're like one team/one vision, and I think that'll be largely what we talk about," Republican Senator Thom Tillis told reporters.

The meetings could also be a chance for Trump to build bridges with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell who has not spoken to him since he acknowledged Biden's election victory in December 2020.

Despite their differences, the Kentucky Republican has stressed his support for Trump's candidacy.

"I support him. He's earned the nomination by the voters all across the country. And of course, I'll be at the meeting," McConnell told reporters on Wednesday.

However, not all Republicans are keen to break bread with Trump.

Others, including moderates such as Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney, will not attend, citing scheduling conflicts.

Either way, today’s meetings show Trump is keen to get down to business with many Republican lawmakers hoping he will hit the ground running.

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