Tension builds between Trump and Senate Republicans, putting GOP agenda on the line

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., takes a question from a reporter following a Republican policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol Building on June 16, 2026. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Senate Majority Leader John Thune thought he had a plan. President Trump wanted a loyal attack dog as acting director of national intelligence. Democrats and some Republicans were appalled by his pick , Bill Pulte, and threatened to hold up renewing a key spy tool until he was yanked. So Thune pressed for a more palatable permanent director, allowing the Senate to swiftly confirm him before Pulte took the reins. When Trump then nominated Jay Clayton , the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to take the job permanently, crisis seemed averted. Then, just hours before the confirmation hearing was scheduled to begin last week, Trump blew up that plan, writing in a 4 a.m. social media post that he would not sign legislation reauthorizing the spy tool unless it also included the Save America Act, the strict voter ID law he wants. Blowback was swift, as simmering tensions between Trump and Senate Republicans spilled into public view. Trump is set to meet with Senate Republicans for lunch Wednesday as some say the president's erratic moves risk derailing their shared agenda. …