President Trump is testing pressure points within the GOP with a series of particularly bold moves that have shown some Republicans are willing to draw the line on certain issues.
Farm State Republicans have expressed concern over Trump’s idea to import beef from Argentina as U.S. cattle producers face economic headwinds.
Meanwhile, New York Republicans fought back Decision to pardon disgraced former MP George Santos (RN.Y.), who was in prison on fraud charges. And others in the president’s party did expressed discomfort with Trump’s talk of a massive financial settlement with his own Justice Department stemming from previous investigations into his conduct.
Trump and Republicans were largely consistent in their messaging on the government shutdown, arguing that negotiations with Democrats would only take place after the government reopens. The president’s approval ratings have actually increased slightly during the shutdown, which is approaching a month.
But at the same time, Trump is also putting Republicans in uncomfortable situations, among other things due to his being offside a respectful GOP majority in Congress to carry out much of his agenda
“This is not the Republican Party, this is the Trump Party,” said Matt Terrill, a GOP strategist and managing partner at Firehouse Strategies.
“You see a few Republicans out there pushing their opinions. That’s what you’re going to see. That’s not unusual, but nothing has changed here,” he added. “Nothing has changed about the fact that this is Trump’s party.”
The biggest break between Trump and normally supportive GOP lawmakers came this week when the president told reporters aboard Air Force One that he wanted to import beef from Argentina.
The idea sparked opposition from normally tranquil or supportive lawmakers who argued it would hurt American ranchers and do little to lower prices.
“This is not the right way,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said of Trump’s idea. “It’s created a lot of uncertainty in this market. So I hope the White House got the message.”
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) posted on social media that she had expressed her “deep concerns” to the administration about importing beef from Argentina.
“Bottom line: If the goal is to reduce beef prices in the supermarket, this is not the right way,” said Fischer. “Currently, government intervention in the beef market will harm our ranchers.”
Without. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) pushed back at Trump’s suggestion. And the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association warned the government undercut her.
Trump and the White House appeared unmoved. Trump posted an appeal to ranchers on social media lower their prices while defending his imposition of tariffs. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt argued that increasing beef supplies would lend a hand drive down prices, a sign that Trump is not giving up on the idea of importing from Argentina.
While beef imports have been a major political point of disagreement, some Republicans have also rejected Trump’s personal and personnel decisions in recent days.
Some Republican senators were concerned that Trump had reportedly sought $230 million in compensation from the Department of Justice (DOJ) related to investigations into his conduct during previous administrations. Trump himself confirmed that he was looking for money, but said that he did not know the exact amount.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who is retiring at the end of his term, said Wednesday that the political “optics” that Trump would receive an unexpected payment from the Justice Department were “causing concern,” particularly during the shutdown that has forced federal workers to go without pay.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) called the agreement “very irregular.”
While Republican senators were largely respectful of Trump in his nominations and confirmed controversial Cabinet appointments such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., enough Republicans faced Paul Ingrassia’s racist comments that he was forced to withdraw his nomination for the post this week of the head of the Office of Special Counsel to withdraw.
In the House, Trump’s decision to pardon Santos, the former New York Republican congressman convicted of fraud, struck a chord with some New York Republicans who are likely to face tough re-election candidates in swing districts in the midterm elections.
“George Santos is a convicted fraudster. This will forever be his legacy and I do not agree with the commutation,” Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (RN.Y.) said in a statement.
“George Santos didn’t just lie – he stole millions, cheated an election, and his crimes (to which he pleaded guilty) warrant more than three months in prison,” Rep. Nick LaLota wrote the social platform X. “He should devote the rest of his life to showing remorse and making amends to those he has wronged.”
Republican strategists and Trump allies argued that the fault lines were a reflection of where lawmakers feel they need to draw a line with the president and how best to do so.
“If you have a problem with Trump, go behind closed doors and address your concerns before you go on TV and talk bad about Trump,” a source close to the White House said. “At this point, you can move forward as long as it’s specific to the crowd you need to get re-elected.”
