The relationship between some Republicans and President Donald Trump could be taking a “pretty sour” turn as some GOP lawmakers primaried out of their congressional seats by White House-backed candidates explore a newfound freedom to vote their minds.
That bodes poorly for Republicans’ efforts to unify and maintain their thin majority in Congress in the months to come, let alone pass the party’s key legislative priorities.
“This is May 19,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who described the sour vibes Tuesday after Sen. Bill Cassidy voted with Democrats on a key war powers measure. Cassidy lost his primary to a Trump-endorsed candidate Saturday.
“There are still many, many weeks, many months to go before the election, and this president is going to have to continue to deal and work with and partner with or battle with this group of lawmakers,” she said.
Throughout the primary season, Trump has been slowly picking off sitting GOP lawmakers who he views as insufficiently loyal.
