Republican lawmakers have often avoided confronting Trump’s vindictive politics, using revenge primary campaigns, bullying social media, and the threat of mobilizing the GOP base to punish disloyalty. A critical word against Trump or his agenda could trigger retribution aimed at removing a Republican from office. This week, Trump’s attacks on two of his own backfired, at least temporarily, as Senate Republicans resisted on major priorities involving funding for a White House ballroom and a $1.8 billion fund for supporters claiming political persecution by Democrats, including Jan. 6 rioters. House Republicans also canceled a vote to halt the war in Iran after it became clear they lacked votes. Cracks in Trump’s control are linked to his push for unpopular issues during a midterm election year.
"Through revenge primary campaigns, bullying social media posts and the threat that he can command the G.O.P. base to go after anyone at any time, Mr. Trump has brought lawmakers in his party under his control like no president in modern history. A single critical word against Mr. Trump or his agenda could result in a full-scale retribution campaign to force a disloyal Republican from office."
"Senate Republicans, after the president targeted two of their own, stood up to Mr. Trump on two of his biggest priorities: money for his White House ballroom, and a $1.8 billion fund to reward Trump supporters who claim political persecution by Democrats, such as the rioters who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. So the nation's top law enforcement official is asking for a slush fund to pay people who assault cops? said Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky."
"Then, in another sign that the party was pushing back on Mr. Trump, House Republicans canceled a vote on a resolution to halt the war in Iran, after it became clear they did not have enough votes to defeat it. The cracks in the president's dominance over Senate Republicans stemmed from two main sources."
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