Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) stated on Sunday that he is open to working with President Donald Trump on economic and healthcare policy following the recent midterm elections. Speaking on NBC News’ "Meet the Press," Sanders addressed the promotion of Stephen Miller to White House Chief of Staff and the shift in congressional control.
The remarks follow the November 3 midterm elections, in which the Democratic Party gained control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. In response to the election results, Trump replaced Susie Wiles with Miller, who previously served as her deputy.
Sanders described the president as a "good politician" who might be receptive to raising the minimum wage or expanding healthcare access to claim credit for such programs. "I'm not worried about Miller," Sanders said, adding that while he does not guarantee cooperation, "it is certainly worth the effort." Trump told Fox News he could work with Democrats on several issues, including immigration, though he noted he would use his veto power on legislation he opposes.
The scale of the election's impact is highlighted by voter priorities reported in an AP Voter Poll conducted by SSRS. Thirty-nine percent of voters identified the economy as their top concern, followed by 33 percent citing the state of democracy, 14 percent naming immigration, and 8 percent focusing on healthcare. These priorities, shaped in part by an eight-month conflict with Iran that increased gas prices, will likely dictate the legislative agenda when the new Congress takes office in January.
What happens next: The Democratic majorities in the House and Senate are scheduled to take control in January 2027. Between now and then, the Trump administration will finalize the transition of Stephen Miller into the Chief of Staff role. While Trump has indicated a willingness to negotiate on immigration, he has also stated he is prepared to veto bills sent by the new Democratic majority, setting up potential legislative stalemates on domestic policy through the end of his term.