Although President Donald Trump rarely ignores an insult, he has remained silent while additional Republicans distance themselves from his administration. Over the past two weeks, multiple lawmakers have publicly broken with him over the war in Iran, immigration policies, and his welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping. Instead of social media diatribes, Trump has held his fire. This shift suggests he understands the need for Republicans to distance themselves in a tough political climate.
Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska wrote a Washington Post op-ed criticizing the deportation of nonviolent illegal immigrants. He argued that hardworking people are leaving the country because of these efforts.
According to ICE’s own numbers, people with no criminal conviction and with only an immigration violation and no other pending charge are now the single largest group the agency holds in detention, Bacon referenced specific figures, observing that. That should worry anyone who believes that enforcement ought to focus on actual threats to public safety, he further remarked.
Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida took a sharper approach in a campaign ad. “She got a little bit soft on the border,” he said, reporting to journalists. She cautioned that holding nonviolent immigrants would damage the GOP during the midterm elections, according to the Washington Examiner.
In the past, Trump might have demanded political consequences. This time, his response was measured. “Some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far,” she told Trump, staring directly into the lens. I understand that. I understand that. But I just don’t happen to be there.
This reaction marks a departure from his usual habit of using derogatory nicknames or angry posts. It signals that the president realizes the stakes are high just six weeks before the election. Meanwhile, Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker voiced his displeasure with Xi Jinping’s visit to the U.S. on the Senate floor. “Quite frankly, had the White House asked me for advice, I would’ve suggested the president not invite Xi Jinping to Washington for such a lavish welcome,” Wicker said.
While Republicans debate strategy, Democrats are preparing for a potential shift in power. Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee introduced 26 articles of impeachment against President Trump. Cohen framed the resolution as a roadmap for a future Democratic majority.
He declared that Trump is clearly the most impeachable President our country has ever endured. The articles cover a wide range of issues, including military operations, executive orders on birthright citizenship, and mass deportation policies.
On Monday, a fresh Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated Trump holds a 32% approval rating. Such a low figure acts as a warning that Democrats might achieve a blowout midterm night. Key supporters including Steve Deace are openly cautioning that consequences from the Iran war might harm the GOP. As the election nears, the question remains how many Republicans will continue to break with the president to save their own seats.
