The relationship between President Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune has become increasingly strained, causing anxiety among Republicans in Congress. The two have not spoken in nearly two weeks, and their disagreement over the president’s agenda has led to a circular firing squad within the party.

Disagreements over agenda

Trump has demanded that the Senate pass his “SAVE America Act” before the August recess, but Thune has rejected the idea, citing the lack of votes to pass the bill. The president has also blindsided Thune by pulling the plug on a signing ceremony for a housing bill and blowing up efforts to renew key surveillance powers.

Thune’s allies believe that Trump is setting him up to be the fall guy if Democrats rout in the midterms and flip the Senate. The White House has declined to comment on Trump’s relationship with Thune.

Impact on midterms

The feud between Trump and Thune is likely to have a significant impact on the midterms, as Republicans are defending fragile majorities in both the House and Senate. The infighting within the party is making it more challenging for Republicans to present a united front against Democrats.

Sen. John Curtis, a Utah Republican, said, “I would say we’re all longing for a relationship with the White House where we work more in harmony.” Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia added, “The infighting is not really productive… If you don’t watch out, you’re gonna make things much, much, much worse because we’re gonna lose seats and that will make it worse for the president.”

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.