When House Speaker Mike Johnson gifted to President Donald Trump the gavel used to enact the Republicans' tax breaks and spending bill, it was a memorable moment at the White House.

But the imagery also underscored a symbolic transfer of political power, from Capitol Hill to the White House as a compliant Congress is ceding more and more of its prerogative to the presidency.

With gavel in hand, Trump chisels away at the power of a compliant Congress By LISA MASCARO The Associated Press,Updated July 19, 2025, 1:59 p.m.

The result is a perceptible imbalance of power as the executive exerts greater authority while the legislative branch dims.

WASHINGTON (AP) — “Mr. President, this is the gavel used to enact the ‘big, beautiful bill,’” House Speaker Mike Johnson said at a White House signing ceremony on the Fourth of July ...