Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) said Wednesday he was concerned about the potential lack of checks and balances across government agencies, especially if Republicans retain the House majority.
Kinzinger said on a CNN panel that he can't imagine the Republican majority rebelling against President-elect Trump and reining in the power of the executive branch.
Kinzinger said of the possibility of checks and balances being in place under a second Trump administration if Republicans control the Senate, House and White House: “On paper, that's true. In reality, that's not the case. No,” he said.
“There's not a 0.0 percent chance that Donald Trump will say anything. House Republicans are already against him,” he continued.
Kinzinger noted that House Republicans elected to the next Congress will work more closely with the former president than in previous Congresses. Many of those who have publicly challenged President Trump in the past have lost or left office.
“When I was there, there was about a 20 percent chance of hitting back at him, but anyone who tries to do that is out now. They're gone,” Kinzinger said. “So this is going to be an obedient Congress, an obedient House of Commons.”
Kinzinger said Tuesday that Americans know they are voting for “unchecked power.”
“So the reality is that everyone knew this yesterday when they voted. Yes, the American people basically voted for this unchecked power that the president is going to have,” he said. said.
Republicans have captured the White House and a majority in the Senate, and the path to victory in the House appears to be getting easier, but Democrats still have a chance.
