The House vote is uncertain as Trump appoints Tom Homan as border czar

The Republican Party is moving closer to overall control of the US Congress, having already secured a majority in the Senate and needing fewer than five seats to take the House of Representatives.

A party needs 218 seats to win a majority in the House, and President-elect Donald Trump has 214, compared to Democrats’ 205, according to the latest data.

Since winning the presidential election last week, all eyes have been on Trump to see who he appoints to his administration.

So far, the roles have been given to New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik – the new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations – and Tom Homan, who Trump said will serve as his “border czar.”

The US government consists of three parts: the Senate, the White House – both of which Trump and his party have already won – and the House of Representatives.

Republicans are expected to hold at least 52 seats in the 100-member Senate after capturing three seats previously held by Democrats in West Virginia, Ohio and Montana.

Control of the House of Representatives gives one party the power to initiate spending bills and initiate impeachment proceedings against officials.

Controlling both chambers would mean that most of Trump’s agenda would have a greater chance of winning congressional approval than if Democrats controlled either one.

During the election campaign, Trump promised, among other things, to “end inflation,” cut taxes and deport immigrants who are in the US illegally.

Meanwhile, rumors are circulating about who Trump will offer his top Cabinet positions to.

Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), had been tipped to be the next homeland secretary.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Homan is “responsible for our nation’s borders (“The Border Czar”), including but not limited to the southern border, the northern border, all maritime and air security.”

He continued: “Similarly, Tom Homan will be responsible for all deportations of illegal aliens back to their country of origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt that he will do a fantastic and long-awaited job.”

In a statement to the New York Post, Trump also announced Stefanik as his choice for UN ambassador.

She confirmed her acceptance of the role to the same newspaper, saying she felt “truly honoured”.

“During my conversation with President Trump, I expressed how excited I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to winning the support of my colleagues in the U.S. Senate,” she said.

Elsewhere, Susie Wiles has already been named chief of staff to the 47th president. In his election victory speech, Trump called her “the ice maiden” – a reference to her composure – and said she “likes to stay in the background.”

Other names in the race to join the government include billionaire X owner Elon Musk, who played a key role in Trump’s campaign, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who ran his own presidential campaign before endorsing Trump.

Over the weekend, Trump announced that Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo – both of whom served in his first term – would not be offered new positions when he returns to the White House in January.