More Republicans are breaking with Trump. Is it conscience or politics?
Congressional Democrats say GOP majority is unraveling, but moves may in fact be aimed at retaining power
TL;DR
- Congressional Republicans are increasingly defying President Trump as the November midterm elections draw closer.
- Defections include joining Democrats to require Congressional permission for hostilities against Iran, passing aid for Ukraine, and protecting Haitians from deportation.
- A critical mass of Republican senators has given Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence a cold reception.
- Internal disagreements are exacerbated by Republicans' slim majorities in the Senate and House.
- Trump has expressed disinterest in the midterms, stating, 'I don't care about the midterms.'
- The open dissent is seen by Democrats as proof the Republican majority is unraveling.
- Some Republicans defecting have faced primary challenges from Trump-backed candidates.
- There are questions about whether these defections are driven by conscience or political expediency for re-election.
- Despite some instances of defiance, the article notes that these actions have done little to curb Trump's powers or force policies against his will.