Republicans Secure Control of Congress, Thune Elected Senate Leader

Republicans have decisively secured control of the U.S. House of Representatives with 218 seats against the Democrats' 208, following the flipping of seven seats in recent elections. This victory allows the GOP to control both chambers of Congress as Donald Trump begins his second term as president, having also won a significant Electoral College majority. Senate Republicans have elected John Thune as the new Senate Majority Leader, indicating a potential for maintaining some independence from Trump despite the party's overall dominance. Thune aims to swiftly confirm Trump's nominees and prioritize fiscal and border security reforms, while also retaining the Senate's traditional filibuster threshold. Trump's success in swing states played a crucial role in the House outcome, and he is already exerting influence over congressional Republicans. The Republican majority presents an opportunity for Trump to advance his agenda significantly during his new term.