Donald J. Trump arrived in Washington last summer feeling miserable. He was there for his criminal arraignment and expressed disgust for the city, sensing its hostility, as reported by aides.
Today, he returns to the capital under different circumstances, asserting his power over a political and business establishment that has had to reckon with him.
As the presumptive Republican presidential nominee against President Biden, Trump has secured significant funding, defeated primary challengers, and garnered support from a wide range of Republicans who view his recent criminal conviction in Manhattan as a sign of a biased justice system.
His meetings with lawmakers, including Senator Mitch McConnell, who had criticized him following the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, highlight how the establishment, despite their disdain for him, is acknowledging his potential return to office. The reality of the 2024 campaign is slowly being accepted after years of hoping for alternative leadership.
Speaker Mike Johnson expressed high anticipation and excitement ahead of Trump’s visit, noting the busy schedule that includes meetings with House members, chief executives from the Business Roundtable, and senators like John Barrasso.
The agenda for these meetings, focused on policy discussions such as the migrant crisis, aims to generate enthusiasm among attendees, with Republican House members being staunch supporters of Trump over the years.
The meeting with senators, who have been less compliant with Trump’s demands, marks a significant moment as it reunites him with McConnell, who had condemned his actions after the Capitol attack.
Trump’s claims of voter fraud in battleground states impacted Republican turnout in Senate runoffs and led to the Capitol siege aimed at disrupting Biden’s victory certification. Despite McConnell’s criticism, he did not vote to convict Trump in the impeachment trial, a decision that would later contribute to Trump’s resurgence.
The acquittal by Senate Republicans enabled Trump’s comeback, with McConnell endorsing him as the party’s nominee even before his official candidacy announcement. Trump’s continued presence and success in primaries have defied expectations.
The indictments against Trump have served to bolster his political standing, prompting accusations of a biased justice system from his allies. His interactions with business leaders, including those from the Business Roundtable, indicate a shift in corporate support towards his potential second administration.
