President Trump made a direct appeal to Senate Republicans during their weekly policy lunch on Wednesday, pressing them to advance the SAVE America Act. Emerging from the meeting, Trump described it as a “good meeting” and insisted the party is “unified,” but acknowledged he was not satisfied with every member of the GOP conference.
“I don’t like a few people, but I think you know who they are,” Trump told reporters afterward. The comment came shortly after a tense exchange with Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. Cassidy confirmed the debate was sharp, though he did not detail the specifics of their disagreement.
Earlier in the day, Trump abruptly canceled plans to sign a bipartisan housing affordability bill, stating he wanted the voting legislation completed first. That move underscored his insistence on prioritizing the SAVE America Act, which would tighten voter eligibility requirements. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota has acknowledged that the bill lacks sufficient support to pass and has refused to consider changing filibuster rules to force it through.
On Tuesday night, Trump lashed out at GOP senators who backed an Iran war powers resolution earlier that day. The resolution, which sought to limit the president’s authority to strike Iran without congressional approval, passed with bipartisan support. Trump’s anger highlighted the ongoing rift within the party over foreign policy, particularly as the administration negotiates with Tehran. Trump has defended his Iran sanctions relief as a humanitarian move, but warned that a Strait of Hormuz blockade could resume if talks falter.
Trump’s schedule was packed. He met with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House, where Rutte defended U.S. goals in Iran and emphasized alliance unity. Later, Trump huddled with defense contractors and attended the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, delivering remarks to mark the U.S.’s 250th anniversary. The event was part of a broader push to showcase his administration’s achievements ahead of the midterms.
On the Democratic side, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York held a press conference after his endorsed candidates for the New York House lost to rivals backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The defeats signaled growing intra-party tensions and raised questions about Jeffries’ influence in key districts. Meanwhile, GOP fiscal conservatives are resisting Trump’s $1.5 trillion defense and Iran war funding push, complicating the president’s legislative agenda.
The day’s events underscored the fractured state of Washington politics, with Trump navigating both internal GOP dissent and Democratic opposition. As the SAVE America Act stalls and foreign policy debates intensify, the president’s ability to unify his party remains uncertain.
