Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on new rifts between Trump and GOP leaders over Iran
PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-06-22 17:30:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Pressures Senate Republicans Amid GOP Frustration Over Iran and Voting Restrictions
President Trump is facing mounting frustration from Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill, as he insists they take action on his priorities—including the controversial SAVE America Act. According to reporting, Trump is demanding that Senate Republicans pass this measure, which would require voter ID, proof of citizenship, and significantly restrict mail-in voting—a method many Republicans themselves support.
Despite this pressure, it remains unclear whether GOP senators will comply with Trump’s demands or push back in any meaningful way. The excerpt notes that Trump has gone so far as to temporarily pull his own nominee for director of national intelligence or instruct him not to attend his confirmation hearing, further straining relationships within his party.
Trump’s focus on these issues comes at a time when his approval ratings are at a new low. A recent PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll found only 36 percent of Americans approve of his job performance, with just 33 percent approving of his handling of the economy. The president’s net unfavorable rating on inflation has increased by nearly 20 points since the war in Iran began, and 78 percent of Americans say gas prices are straining their household budgets.
Meanwhile, Trump’s insistence on prioritizing projects like the Reflecting Pool—drawing attention to it through Oval Office meetings, social media posts, and public displays—has raised questions among Senate Republicans about his focus on issues that matter most to voters, such as bipartisan housing legislation.
As Trump continues to exert pressure on his party, the lack of enthusiasm among the Republican base and the growing rift between the president and GOP lawmakers could have significant implications for upcoming elections. The president’s approach, marked by demands and public displays, underscores ongoing tensions within the party and raises doubts about his ability to unify Republicans around his agenda.