15 GOP Lawmakers Weigh Weaker Trump Grip if Republicans Lose 1 or 2 Chambers
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Oct 30
15 GOP Lawmakers Weigh Weaker Trump Grip if Republicans Lose 1 or 2 Chambers
2 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 30
Summary
Fifteen Republican lawmakers said privately before Tuesday’s election that Donald Trump’s ability to dictate votes and outcomes could fade if the party loses the House, the Senate, or both.
That reassessment reflects a looming test of Trump’s hold on Capitol Hill, where his influence has long rested on an iron grip over congressional Republicans through public pressure and direct calls.
Trump already appears to be preparing to shift blame if Democrats retake either chamber, underscoring party anxiety over how a defeat could scramble power inside the GOP.
Rep. Lloyd Smucker captured the uncertainty with a terse “We’ll see,” even as he praised Trump’s record and campaign efforts, highlighting a party weighing loyalty against possible post-election weakness.