Trump upends Senate GOP's plans once again with demands over nominations
Washington — Senate Republicans were poised to pull off a complex maneuver this week to confirm President Trump's newest pick for director of national intelligence, a move that would have resolved an impasse over a lapsed warrantless surveillance program.
TL;DR
- President Trump's demands halted Senate Republicans' plan to confirm Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence and reauthorize Section 702 of FISA.
- Trump demanded the approval of the SAVE America Act elections bill and a replacement for the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan before agreeing to FISA reauthorization.
- The president's intervention exposed a widening rift within the Republican party, with multiple instances of executive branch actions disrupting Senate GOP plans.
- Previous disruptions include the announcement of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, which jeopardized FISA reauthorization, and the Justice Department's announcement of an "anti-weaponization" fund.
- GOP senators' frustrations are also exacerbated by the president endorsing primary opponents of senators who have criticized the administration.
- Senate Republicans are also seeking details on a U.S.-Iran agreement, indicating a lack of communication.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed uncertainty about the path forward following the president's intervention.