Hours after enduring a significant electoral defeat, President Donald Trump met with Senate Republicans at the White House, urging them to abolish the supermajority filibuster rules. Over breakfast in the State Dining Room, Trump warned, “If you don’t terminate the filibuster, you’ll be in bad shape.” This was a typical display of Trump's assertive tactics, seen throughout the year as he pushed the GOP to back controversial nominees and policies.

However, the Senators' response was starkly different this time. Upon returning to the Capitol, they signaled a clear disregard for Trump’s demand. South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds even laughed off the suggestion, indicating a shift in the Senate's stance toward the President.

This marks the beginning of what appears to be Trump's lame duck era. Despite his enduring popularity among GOP voters and his influential status within the party, the stunning losses in the recent election have underscored the potential risks for Republicans in future elections. Lawmakers seem increasingly aware of the political reality that Trump's presidency will end in three years, but they will remain.

The possibility of Trump struggling to influence GOP congressional majorities is real, especially given his reluctance to compromise with Democrats. This was highlighted by retiring Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), who criticized Trump for not engaging with the other party and declared, “He has zero ability to work across the aisle.”

Meanwhile, frustration within the GOP also grows over Trump’s approach during the ongoing 37-day government shutdown. Some Republicans are ready to defy Trump if he continues to block negotiations on critical issues like the extension of Obamacare insurance subsidies. Others blame Trump and his budget aide, Russ Vought, for exacerbating tensions with Democrats through aggressive tactics.

As Democrats celebrate their electoral victories and Republicans face internal conflicts, Trump remains defiant. He recently rallied his supporters online, stating, “OUR MOVEMENT IS FAR FROM OVER — IN FACT, OUR FIGHT HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN!” Despite this, GOP leaders like Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are distancing themselves from Trump's interpretation of the losses, suggesting a growing rift within the party.

The coming days will determine how deep these divisions go and whether Trump can maintain his grip on the Republican agenda or if he's indeed entering a period of diminished influence. With discussions about changing filibuster rules and possibly pursuing another party-line reconciliation bill, the GOP faces challenging decisions that could redefine its future direction.