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‘We are knifing each other’: Trump’s showdown with Senate GOP leader splinters unity ahead of midterms
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- House Speaker Mike Johnson frequently receives direct calls from President Trump, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune experiences infrequent communication, sometimes going weeks without contact.
- The relationship between Trump and Thune has deteriorated, especially after Trump targeted Sen. John Cornyn in a primary and pushed controversial demands like eliminating the filibuster, which Thune opposes.
- This growing rift is causing concern among Senate Republicans, as infighting complicates efforts to pass key legislation and threatens fragile GOP majorities ahead of the midterm elections.
- Trump’s insistence on advancing his “SAVE America Act” before the Senate recess conflicts with Thune’s priorities, such as keeping the government funded and avoiding politically risky “vote-a-rama” sessions.
- Many GOP senators back Thune’s cautious approach, emphasizing the need to maintain Senate traditions like the filibuster, while acknowledging the challenges posed by Trump’s fast-paced, executive-style demands.
