Republicans Weigh Whether Pulte Is a Hill Worth Dying On

Key Points:

• President Trump criticized House Republicans who voted with Democrats to limit his ability to launch new attacks in Iran, calling them “unpatriotic” and accusing them of grandstanding, but expressed confidence that Senate Republicans would not join such efforts under the War Powers Act.
• Senate Republicans recently avoided taking a vote to block a controversial $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” favored by Trump, fearing it could anger the president and jeopardize immigration funding legislation.
• Trump appointed Bill Pulte, known for investigating Trump’s political foes without intelligence background, as acting Director of National Intelligence, a move that has caused concern among Senate Republicans who foresee a difficult confirmation process if he is nominated permanently.
• Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon predicted Republicans will lose the Senate this fall, blaming leadership for relying on outdated campaigning methods and lacking grassroots voter enthusiasm.
• Reports surfaced of Trump appearing drowsy during a White House meeting and making unfounded claims about winning all 50 states in a past election.