The relationship between President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans is strained. This week, Trump disrupted their plans to quickly confirm his nominee and refused to renew a surveillance law without changes.
Trump’s message on social media on Wednesday announced a delay in Jay Clayton’s confirmation as national intelligence director. This decision, just before a confirmation hearing, increased tensions between the Senate and the White House.
Republican senators expressed criticism regarding his decisions on foreign policy, specifically in Iran. Senator Bill Cassidy called Trump’s agreement regarding Iran “the worst foreign policy blunder in decades.”
This strained relationship contrasts with last year, when Senate Republicans supported Trump’s significant budget and tax cuts. Criticism was minimal among Republicans, and they planned to tout the bill’s passage in the midterms. Now, with elections approaching, Trump’s actions are challenging the Senate, pressuring them with demands and reversals.
Senator Thom Tillis remarked about the complexity of Trump’s decisions after Clayton’s nomination was delayed. Trump’s shifting focus has moved away from traditional GOP objectives toward voter ID legislation, which lacks sufficient support to pass.
Amidst these challenges, the Senate’s operations have slowed, pressuring Republican incumbents up for reelection. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is caught between Trump’s demands and Senate limitations.
Trump has urged Thune to eliminate the filibuster and pass the SAVE America Act, insisting that failure will negatively impact future Republican presidencies. Despite this, Trump has not personally attacked Thune as he had with previous leaders like Mitch McConnell.
Thune and Trump frequently discuss matters, though Thune sometimes must convey unfavorable news. Thune has managed to maintain a functional relationship despite Trump’s pressures. Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt acknowledges the difficulty of Thune’s role but notes their working relationship remains intact.
“Thune is the stable force in D.C. today,” said Republican Senator Mike Rounds, supporting Thune’s leadership.
There are no signs of revolt among GOP senators, though there is pressure on Thune. Senator Mike Lee’s campaign to eliminate the filibuster has stirred tensions within the party, especially as some Republicans face reelection.
Senators criticized Lee at a private lunch for exacerbating in-party dissension during election year campaigning. However, Lee continues his online advocacy, suggesting it’s a mistake to give up prematurely.
Senators like Texas’ John Cornyn challenge Lee to find necessary votes for the SAVE America Act but remain skeptical of the approach. Other senators, like Ohio’s Bernie Moreno, have supported Trump’s agreement with Iran, reflecting a minority viewpoint.
Despite criticism, some senators continue to back Trump. Moreno enthusiastically defended Trump’s Iran deal on social media, yet these supporters are fewer than when the Senate narrowly passed tax and spending cuts.
Senators Cassidy and Cornyn, who were primary-election defeats endorsed by Trump, have emerged as vocal critics. Cornyn highlighted a parable after his loss, suggesting Trump’s nature is unchangeable, accounting for the political tumult.
Additional reporting by Kevin Freking for the Associated Press.
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