Donald Trump is playing a game of chicken with three Republican senators seeking re-election in November, withholding endorsements while avoiding direct opposition to preserve Senate control, according to new reporting.
According to Politico reporters Sophia Cai and Alex Gangitano, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) will not receive presidential support in the near term due to their opposition to various White House initiatives. However, the situation remains fluid.
White House insiders describe a calculation of mutual benefit. As one official explained, "It's math and the fear of mutually assured destruction. The president doesn't end their careers and these senators don't end his congressional agenda."
Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with GOP lawmakers resisting his initiatives, yet White House officials acknowledge his dependence on these senators. With the Republican-controlled House expected to flip in November, Trump needs to preserve Senate Republican strength.
The White House is similarly taking a neutral stance in Georgia's Republican Senate primary. Representatives Buddy Carter and Mike Collins are competing against former college football coach Derek Dooley. The administration has not yet endorsed a candidate.
Politico reports that the White House is avoiding involvement partly because it cannot risk alienating either congressman. With Speaker Mike Johnson operating under razor-thin House margins, the administration cannot afford to lose either Carter or Collins's vote.
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