WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump achieved his goal of a Republican takeover of both the House and Senate in the 2024 elections, paving the way for his legislative aspirations.

However, he might encounter resistance from a small faction within his own party, likely aiming to challenge his extensive agenda.

This opposition became evident as Congress gathered again this week, highlighted by tensions in GOP leadership, Trump’s private discussions with House Republicans, and his cabinet nominations, hinting at what the near future may hold.

For example, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson’s foreign policies and labeled him a “neocon,” despite Trump’s endorsement of Johnson for reelection as Speaker.

Moreover, Trump’s appointment of former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., as attorney general raised immediate doubts among some Republican senators, including Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, who have previously opposed Trump, as well as others like Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who is up for reelection in 2026.

“He may have a tough job ahead to secure strong support,” Tillis remarked to reporters without committing to Gaetz’s confirmation.

Even with a unified Republican government, Trump will face challenges from internal critics when he steps into his second term in January.

Moderates versus ultraconservatives

Key House Republicans who won challenging races this year, including Nebraskan Rep. Don Bacon, New York’s Michael Lawler, and Californian David Valadao, played a crucial role in the party maintaining its House majority.

These representatives are likely to adopt a more moderate stance against Trump’s polarized agenda as they prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, where all House seats will be contested, and the ruling party often faces losses.

Bacon, for instance, previously drew Trump’s ire by supporting President Joe Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill in 2021, and openly criticized Trump regarding the January 6 Capitol riot and voted for an independent inquiry, which Trump opposed.

When asked about Trump’s choice of Gaetz, who was previously investigated by the House Ethics Committee for sexual misconduct, Bacon declined to comment.

Lawler mentioned to YSL News that he is “ready and willing” to advocate for what’s best for his district and constituents.

“I’ll support the president when I agree with him, and I won’t hesitate to express my disagreement when I feel it’s necessary,” he stated during a phone interview.

He criticized his party last year for hindering efforts to avoid a government shutdown, calling for cooperation across party lines. He also expressed a priority to lift the cap on state and local tax deductions, a policy Trump had previously signed into law in 2017.

“To successfully pass a tax bill—especially through reconciliation—I will be a needed vote,” Lawler affirmed.

Trump could also face challenges from the more hardline faction, including Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, who backed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during the 2024 primaries and criticized Trump for not securing the border during his first term.

“When I agree with the president—about nine out of ten times—I’ll be his biggest supporter,” Roy remarked, praising Trump’s appointment of Tom Homan as “border czar.”

On what issues he might disagree with Trump, Roy mentioned he would refrain from making any predictions but emphasized his dedication to defending the Constitution and advocating for his policy preferences. He was one of the few conservatives who voted to certify the 2020 election results.

The anti-Trump faction in the Senate

The Senate is also likely to be a battleground for these disputes, particularly with some legislators assuming new roles.

Collins, who voted to convict Trump during his impeachment trial in 2021 and has not endorsed his presidential campaigns, may take the helm of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which could hinder many of Trump’s funding initiatives.

“I have a lot of experience collaborating with presidents from both parties, dating back to President Clinton, and I intend to continue that approach by seeking input from committee members and relevant administration officials,” she commented.

Despite the strong personalities of both Trump and Collins, Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., predicted there would be “mutual respect” between them.

Collins, Murkowski, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., along with others, has been critical of Trump, particularly his comments on immigration. Moreover, Sen. Lisa Murkowski has demonstrated a clear commitment to establishing protections for Roe v. Wade, a stance that contradicts Trump’s belief that states should manage abortion laws.

The topic of Ukraine remains highly relevant, especially for senators like Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the chair of the Armed Services Committee. He strongly advocates for aid to Ukraine and sided with Democrats to approve a $95 billion foreign aid package earlier in February, which Trump opposed.

In a statement, Wicker highlighted his main duty as a U.S. Senator, stating, “My primary obligation is to safeguard America. … This bill guarantees our military’s preparedness to tackle security threats posed by China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.”

Could Democrats Find Allies?

Despite being the minority party in Congress, some Democrats have already identified Republican counterparts who may collaborate with them against Trump.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., mentioned “independent-minded” Republicans like Pennsylvania’s Brian Fitzpatrick, who led an effort to censure Trump for his involvement in the January 6 incident, as well as South Carolina’s Nancy Mace, who seeks common ground on abortion, and Massie.

Mace noted their collaborative efforts on various bills, including one that President Biden signed into law. “Cybersecurity, technology, and national security issues require real solutions, not just political posturing,” she emphasized. “We’re open to working with anyone ready to engage.”

Fitzpatrick has been recognized as the most bipartisan representative for five consecutive years, affirming his commitment to “cross the aisle” to achieve outcomes. However, Massie, who was a supporter of DeSantis during the GOP primaries, expressed that he has “no intent to oppose (Trump’s) policies.”

Other Democrats maintained that collaboration would hinge on specific topics.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., believes some Republicans could be potential partners on environmental or climate initiatives, though she did not specify names.

Additionally, in August, 18 House Republicans—including Valadao and Lawler—signed a letter urging Speaker Johnson to retain the Inflation Reduction Act, which represents Biden’s significant climate change legislation. They highlighted the value of the energy tax credits included in the act for their regions.

Conversely, Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., expressed skepticism about finding Republican support for any initiatives.

“I believe Trump will exert considerable influence, particularly in this initial year…He will likely be a strong presence for all of them,” Larson stated.