GOP Turmoil Over Trump’s Agenda Ahead of Midterms

In June 2026 President Donald Trump’s push for a series of controversial proposals—including a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, a $400 million White House ballroom, the appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, and a renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)—triggered a wave of dissent among Senate Republicans. The dissent manifested in amendment votes, procedural defeats, and public criticism, threatening the passage of key legislation such as the $70 billion immigration-enforcement reconciliation bill.

Politico

Trump’s second term has emphasized high-profile projects that diverge from traditional GOP priorities. The anti-weaponization fund, created from a settlement with the IRS, was intended to compensate individuals claiming “weaponization” by the Justice Department. Simultaneously, the administration pursued a $90,000-square-foot ballroom in the White House East Wing and sought to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War. These initiatives coincided with a narrow Republican majority in both chambers and an approaching 2026 midterm election.

Politico

Central actors include President Donald Trump; Bill Pulte, former FHFA director appointed acting DNI; acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the nominee for permanent AG; Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD); Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Jon Husted (R-OH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA); and House Republicans Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Tom Barrett (R-MI).

The Hill

• Immigration-enforcement bill: $70 billion; passed Senate 52-47 on the FISA procedural vote.

Politico

• Anti-weaponization fund: $1.8 billion (later $1.776 billion) proposed allocation.

The Hill

• White House ballroom: cost estimate $200-$400 million; $13 million for Reflecting-Pool repairs.

Daily Beast

• Estimated $125 million cost to rename the Pentagon.

Politico

• 18-hour debate on immigration funding; 15 Senate Democratic votes needed for FISA extension.

The Guardian

Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned that “we don’t need a weaponized DNI; we need professionals there” and noted that Pulte “would have a lengthy road ahead” for confirmation. Thune also described the immigration bill as “nothing more than funding Border Patrol and ICE.” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson affirmed that “President Trump is committed to maintaining Republican majorities in the House and Senate.” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told lawmakers the anti-weaponization fund “will not be moving forward.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the fund “a slush fund for Trump’s allies.” Senate Intelligence Committee top Democrat Mark Warner warned that allowing Pulte “to be potentially in charge of how this tool is used” would be “an uphill path to convince Democrats.”

Politico

Republican senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, Jon Husted, and Thom Tillis voted with Democrats to block the ballroom amendment and the anti-weaponization fund. Bill Cassidy introduced an amendment to redirect the fund to law-enforcement officers injured on Jan. 6; the measure failed 49-50. House Republicans Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Barrett supported a war-powers resolution limiting the Iran conflict. Democrats, including Mark Warner and Hakeem Jeffries, highlighted the risk of expanded surveillance without a warrant requirement.

Politico

The anti-weaponization fund’s status remains disputed: DOJ filings claim the fund is “dead,” while President Trump said he “doesn’t know if it’s fully dead.” The White House has not issued a definitive written statement on the fund’s termination. Bill Pulte’s acting DNI appointment lacks Senate confirmation, and no timeline has been provided for a formal nomination. The immigration-enforcement bill passed the Senate but awaits House approval.

CNN

• “I don’t care about the midterms.” — Donald Trump, President

The Guardian

• “The weaponization fund, as far as I’m concerned, was a beautiful thing,” — Donald Trump, President

The Hill

• “As Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SC) declared , “We don’t need a weaponized DNI; we need professionals there…” — John Thune, Senate Majority Leader (R-SD)

Alternet

• “The idea that we’re going to allow Mr. Pulte to be potentially in charge of how this tool is used or manipulated, that’s going to be a very uphill path to convince Democrats,” — Mark Warner, Senate Intelligence Committee top Democrat (D-VA)

Alternet

• “I’m taking the cue from my colleagues that are in cycle,” — Thom Tillis, Senator (R-NC)

Talking Points Memo

The Senate will consider a formal nomination for Bill Pulte and a confirmation hearing for Todd Blanche. The immigration-enforcement reconciliation bill moves to the House, where further amendment battles are expected. Legislative leaders anticipate intensified GOP-Democrat clashes over the anti-weaponization fund and the Department-of-War rename as the 2026 midterms approach.

The Hill