The new US political environment

The Democratic party won the House of Representatives and they now have the power to start impeach federal officers as well as the president. Donald Trump is not unhappy about a Democratic-controlled House, especially when it comes to his tax return and the possible impeachment. Trump twittered "If the Democrats think they are going to waste Taxpayer Money investigating us at the House level, then we will likewise be forced to consider investigating them for all of the leaks of Classified Information, and much else, at the Senate level. Two can play that game!" However, can Trump really play this game?

Both the US president and the House can choose to cooperate with the other or fight against the other. If both choose to cooperate with each other, the outcome for the country will be maximised, and it will be the most efficient outcome. However, it does not mean either the president or the House maximise his or the Democratic party's individual benefit, especially for the Democratic party. When everything goes very well, it will make Trump more likely to win his re-election in 2020; however, the Democratic party wants to win the 2020 presidential campaign. For Trump, it is going to be a hard time for him to be a president, as he cannot do whatever he wants. For the Democratic party, its best strategy is to fight against Trump. Firstly, the president is often considered to take the majority of responsibility. This means that people tend to blame the president more for any problem caused by the conflict between the president and the House. Secondly, the House stays relatively low profile, comparing with the President, especially this one. People are more likely to notice the mistake made by the president than that made by the House. Thirdly, fighting against Trump can win more public support, especially when the president is unpopular.

Although some people think that the Democratic party is good for the US, it is still a political party which tends to serve its party's interest, it will fight against the president and create a less efficient outcome.