Growing Number of Senate Republicans See Trump as a Political Liability as Midterms Draw Near
WASHINGTON — A growing number of Senate Republicans are expressing concern that President Donald Trump could become a political liability as the party works to defend its Senate majority in the 2026 midterm elections, according to GOP lawmakers who say internal divisions and campaign messaging have become increasingly difficult.
Several Republican senators have criticized Trump's continued support for a proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" compensation fund for allies who were investigated or prosecuted during the Biden administration, arguing the proposal has become an unnecessary political burden for vulnerable incumbents. They also warn that Trump's insistence on advancing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act despite long odds of passage risks frustrating Republican voters ahead of November.
The concerns come as recent polling shows Republican candidates facing competitive races in several states the party has traditionally viewed as favorable, including North Carolina, Ohio, Iowa and Texas.
One Republican senator, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conference conversations, said many GOP lawmakers increasingly view Trump's declining approval ratings as complicating the party's electoral prospects.
North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, who is retiring at the end of his term, publicly criticized the proposed compensation fund, calling it both "horrible policy" and "horrible politics." Tillis argued the proposal gives Democrats an issue they can use against Republican candidates and said continuing the debate offers little political benefit.
"It isn't helping the president's popularity, and it isn't helping Republicans running for reelection," Tillis said.
The controversy appeared to ease Sunday after Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and the Justice Department rescinded the order establishing the fund. The move followed pressure from Tillis and Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who had threatened to block Blanche's nomination to serve as attorney general on a permanent basis unless the issue was resolved.
Even with the fund withdrawn, some Republican senators say the dispute exposed broader tensions between the White House and Senate Republicans as the campaign season approaches.
Tillis has also suggested Republican Senate candidates should be willing to publicly disagree with Trump when necessary, arguing voters value independence on controversial issues.
The White House rejected criticism from Senate Republicans, pointing instead to what it described as Trump's legislative and policy achievements since returning to office.
"President Trump is the unequivocal leader of the Republican Party who is committed to maintaining Republicans' majority in Congress," White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said in a statement, citing the administration's actions on border security, tax policy and crime.
Beyond the compensation fund, some Republican lawmakers have voiced frustration with Trump's repeated criticism of the GOP-controlled Senate and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Trump has questioned whether Thune is the right leader for the conference and recently criticized the Senate's pace on advancing his legislative priorities.
Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy said public criticism from the president does little to strengthen the party's position.
"I don't think it helps," Kennedy said. "Most Americans already believe Washington is dysfunctional."
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski echoed that concern, saying Trump's public comments have made it more difficult for Thune to unify Senate Republicans behind key legislation.
"When the president publicly challenges his leadership, it makes his job harder," Murkowski said.
Cornyn has also questioned Trump's strategy of demanding Senate action on the SAVE Act before the election, warning that raising expectations for legislation unlikely to become law could discourage Republican voters if those expectations are not met.
Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy called for greater cooperation between the White House and Senate Republicans, saying Trump could play a more productive role by helping rally support for legislation rather than criticizing GOP lawmakers publicly.
"We have important work to do," Cassidy said. "Good policy is good politics."
The disagreements highlight the balancing act facing Senate Republicans as they seek to defend their majority while navigating differences over strategy, messaging and Trump's role in the party heading into the 2026 elections.