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Congressional Republicans Try a New Approach: Telling Trump No

Jun 8, 2026

Summary

NYT Congressional Editor Julie Davis discusses a rare rebellion by Republican lawmakers against President Trump’s second-term agenda. Frustrated by his interference in primaries and a proposed fund to compensate political allies, GOP members blocked the fund and joined Democrats to pass war powers resolutions regarding Iran. While this pushback stems from midterm election concerns, Davis suggests it may be a temporary shift rather than a permanent break in party loyalty.

Topics discussed

Apple Card sponsorship and intro Introduction: Republican Congress rebelling against Trump From subservience to resistance: The shift in GOP behavior Primary interventions: Trump vs. Cassidy and Cornyn The weaponization fund controversy and immigration bill standoff GOP demands disavowal of the fund; court ruling intervenes Ad breaks: Hulu, AT&T, and Spielberg movie War powers resolution: GOP defections on Iran conflict The 'YOLO Caucus': Lame ducks and swing district Republicans Durability of the rebellion: Immigration bill passage and amendments Trump's interview response and Iran missile exchange update Ad breaks and episode credits Vital Global sponsorship
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