WASHINGTON — Republican senators who have found themselves at odds with President Donald Trump in recent weeks will get the opportunity to address those tensions directly when he joins them for a party luncheon at the Capitol on Wednesday.
Ahead of the meeting, senators expressed hope Tuesday that the closed-door gathering would emphasize party unity rather than highlight divisions. The timing is notable, however, as Trump appears to have shifted his focus away from much of the Senate’s agenda with midterm elections approaching — instead championing his proof-of-citizenship voting bill, which currently does not have enough votes to clear the chamber.
Over the past month, tensions have mounted on multiple fronts. Trump abruptly blocked Senate Republicans from confirming one of his own nominees, asked them to help fund portions of a White House ballroom renovation project despite widespread opposition, and put them in the position of defending his Iran military action while many quietly questioned its strategy and ultimate goal.
Trump also contributed to erosion of his own Senate support by endorsing primary challengers against two Republican incumbents who had previously been reliable backers of his agenda — Texas Sen. John Cornyn and Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy. Both lost their primary races and have since become more openly critical of the president.
