President Donald Trump is confronting rising opposition within his own party after GOP senators rejected a $1.8 billion fund he backed and tied that resistance to blocking an immigration enforcement funding bill. Polling places him roughly 20 points underwater versus public approval, and a judge invalidated his effort to put his name on the Kennedy Center, citing the need for congressional consultation. The Wall Street Journal reports his primary interventions have deepened tensions and produced a "wounded bear caucus" of outgoing Republicans.
Republican Revolt Deepens — GOP Senators Block Trump-Backed Fund and Stall Immigration Bill
A chart showing Trump’s net approval rating by issue.
US President Donald Trump is facing growing pressure from within his own party as Republican senators push back against several of his priorities and recent political moves.
GOP senators have refused to advance a $1.8 billion fund that Mr. Trump supported to compensate people who say they were harmed by government actions — a program critics have labeled a "slush fund." The resistance has been linked to senators' decision to withhold support for an immigration enforcement funding bill, complicating the administration's legislative agenda.
Public opinion also appears to be a drag: recent polls show Mr. Trump about 20 points underwater in overall approval metrics, leaving him less popular than Joe Biden was at a similar point in his term. In a separate legal setback, a judge struck down Mr. Trump’s attempt to affix his name to the Kennedy Center, ruling that Congress must be consulted on the change.
Party Fallout
Trump’s involvement in recent Republican primaries — where he has targeted establishment-backed candidates — has angered some party figures. The Wall Street Journal reports these battles have helped produce a group of departing lawmakers described as a "wounded bear caucus," reflecting bitterness among incumbents ousted or sidelined in primary fights.
"Internal GOP disputes over funding, judicial rulings and primary interventions are creating new political headaches for the White House," analysts say.
As these disputes play out, members of Congress will weigh whether to pursue bipartisan compromises or double down on intra-party pressure — decisions that will shape the legislative calendar and GOP unity heading into future elections.
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