Donald Trump's revenge crusade against wayward Republicans has hit a snag in the Senate, where ousted critics are gaining influence. After Rep. Thomas Massie's primary defeat in Kentucky, Senate Republicans like Bill Cassidy and Thom Tillis are leveraging their positions to challenge the White House.
Cassidy's Defection
Sen. Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump in 2021, cast the deciding vote to advance a War Powers resolution against Iran, marking the first Senate rebuke of Trump's war-making. His newfound freedom from Trump's yoke allows him to act as a chaos agent in the narrowly divided chamber.
Tillis's Blockade
Sen. Thom Tillis, who broke with Trump in 2025, used his Banking committee position to block Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh until the DOJ dropped its prosecution of Jerome Powell. This move forced a White House retreat and showcased growing Senate independence.
Cornyn's Precarious Position
Texas Sen. John Cornyn faces a costly runoff against Ken Paxton, with Trump criticizing his late support. A Cornyn defeat could further fray Trump's relationship with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and embolden more GOP rebels.
As Massie's defeat showed, Trump's revenge tour continues, but in the Senate, it risks creating more adversaries. With seven months left in the Congress, the White House may face increasing opposition from its own party.
