Senate GOP Mad At Trump
Senate Republicans expressed concern Thursday after President Donald Trump sharply criticized several GOP senators who voted with Democrats on a resolution limiting presidential war powers tied to Venezuela, warning that public divisions could complicate efforts to hold the Senate in a crucial election year.
The vote centered on a war powers resolution requiring congressional approval before any future U.S. military action in Venezuela. While the measure passed with bipartisan support, it quickly sparked backlash from President Trump, who took to social media to vent his frustration.
In a blunt post, Trump said the Republican senators who supported the resolution “should never be elected again,” triggering unease within the party as lawmakers focus on protecting vulnerable seats in November.
The GOP senators who sided with Democrats included Kentucky’s Rand Paul, Missouri’s Josh Hawley, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Indiana’s Todd Young, and Maine moderate Susan Collins.
Several GOP senators said they understand the president’s anger but privately questioned whether the public rebuke was helpful with control of the Senate on the line.
GOP Warns of Election-Year Fallout
Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who is retiring at the end of the year, cautioned that internal disputes could give Democrats political ammunition at a time when Republicans need unity.
“We’ve got competitive races across the country,” Tillis said, noting that both Senate and House seats are at risk. He warned that public criticism among Republicans could be exploited in campaign advertising.
Other lawmakers echoed that concern, emphasizing that disagreements over foreign policy and constitutional authority should be handled internally rather than on social media.
Susan Collins Becomes Central Focus
The episode has drawn particular attention to Sen. Susan Collins, a centrist Republican seeking reelection in Maine — a state carried by Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Democrats view Collins’s seat as a top target in their effort to regain control of the Senate, making any controversy involving her especially sensitive.
Republican leadership moved quickly to reaffirm support for Collins.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said the president’s comments appeared to be a momentary reaction rather than a shift in political strategy.
“The goal is keeping a Republican majority,” Thune said, stressing that Collins remains the strongest candidate to hold the seat in Maine.
Collins dismissed the criticism and stood by her vote, saying the president was “obviously unhappy” but insisting she acted based on her constitutional responsibilities.
When asked if the comments bothered her, she responded simply: “No.”
Other GOP Senators Downplay Dispute
The remaining senators targeted by the president showed little interest in escalating the situation.
Murkowski said she had no reaction, while Young said he had no comment. Paul’s term does not expire until 2028, and Hawley was just reelected in 2024.
Hawley later defended his vote by arguing that Congress must authorize any deployment of U.S. troops.
“If boots on the ground are ever considered, Congress must vote,” Hawley wrote, saying his position was based on the Constitution rather than opposition to the president.
Republicans Hope Rift Is Temporary
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas sought to calm concerns, noting that President Trump has clashed with Republican lawmakers in the past — including current Vice President J.D. Vance — only to later work together.
“The president plays the long game,” Cornyn said. “He doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind, but these moments don’t usually last.”
As Republicans head toward a high-stakes election season, many hope the disagreement fades quickly, allowing the party to refocus on border security, inflation, national security, and maintaining Republican control of Congress.
