Republican lawmakers have been critical of President Donald Trump's sudden decision to pull troops from Syria, which also drove Defense Secretary James Mattis out of the administration -- and that points to a looming problem for the White House.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) came close to criticizing the president for the Mattis departure, which he called "regrettable," but other GOP lawmakers offered more pointed attacks, reported Axios.
That signals a new problem for Trump, who's enjoyed obsequious majorities in Congress for nearly two years, but will face a Democratic majority in the House.
"Once Republican lawmakers start rebuking the president publicly like this over policy, it makes it easier for them to say: 'It's not just Mueller or ethics, there are other concerns,'" said a former Trump aide who asked to be described as "a Trump ally."
"Then it's a slippery slope," added the aide-turned-ally.
The White House assumes the president will be impeached by the newly Democratic House, which means Trump would need at least 34 Republicans to save him from conviction -- and Axios said that support may be wavering.
"We talked all day yesterday with Republican officials, operatives and advisers who are truly scared for America," wrote Axios co-founders Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei.
