Trump and Senate GOP leader Thune at odds as intra-party feud deepens

President Donald Trump has not been in contact with Senate Majority Leader John Thune for almost two weeks, according to Thune, who said his conversations with the president are now "as-needed." The lack of communication comes as Trump pushes his election-year agenda, including the "SAVE America Act" and a budget maneuver to fund Iran-related spending, while Thune and many Senate Republicans resist moves to eliminate the filibuster and other Senate rules.

The rift has intensified after Trump targeted fellow Republican Sen. John Cornyn in a primary challenge and publicly criticized Thune’s handling of Senate business. Trump’s demands have included forcing a vote on his legislation before the Senate’s upcoming five-week recess, a move that would consume floor time needed for other priority bills such as sanctions on Russia and a stopgap funding measure.

"We’re all longing for a relationship with the White House where we work more in harmony," said Sen. John Curtis of Utah.

"The infighting is not really productive," said GOP Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia, adding that continued discord could cost Republican seats in the midterms.

Senators who back Thune argue that the proposed budget process would trigger a "vote-a-rama" of contentious issues, which vulnerable members are reluctant to face. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska expressed doubt that a late-night marathon of votes would be politically wise.

Trump-aligned senators, including Budget Committee Chairman Ron Johnson, warned that postponing the recess would be a mistake, saying supporters would not take kindly to inaction. However, most Senate Republicans acknowledge that they lack the votes to pass the president’s full agenda.

Thune, who has historically taken a direct approach with Trump, declined to comment on whether the president is trying to make him a scapegoat, replying only, "I don’t know." Trump, when asked about his confidence in Thune, said he would "let you know" later, and Thune retorted that the president "doesn’t vote in our elections."

The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, a longtime ally of both men, is expected to widen the divide, as he had served as a key liaison between the White House and Senate leadership. The ongoing feud underscores uncertainty within the GOP as it prepares for the November elections.