Trump’s Grip on Congress Slips Despite Primary Wins as Gas Prices Jump 45%

3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · May 20

Hill Republicans are increasingly defying Trump even after his primary victories, with Sen. Bill Cassidy joining Democrats as the 50th vote on a war powers resolution and opposing Trump-backed ballroom funding.
That resistance is being driven by weak legislative progress, voter focus on living costs and backlash over the Iran war, which one senior GOP operative said has helped push gas prices up 45%.
Trump’s broader agenda is also stalling: lawmakers ignored his demand to attach the SAVE America Act to a housing bill, John Thune is resisting pressure to fire the parliamentarian, and even allies questioned DOJ’s $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund.
The split is raising midterm fears inside the party, with Republicans warning Trump’s late endorsement of Ken Paxton could create months of intraparty damage and hurt battleground candidates in November.

With living costs as a top voter concern, which proposed relief bills have the best chance of passing before November?

How does the recent policy shift from free trade to protectionism impact current legislative efforts in Congress?