Senate GOP frustrations grow as Trump blocks Republican victories

Republican senators are growing tired of the White House throwing curveballs into things they want to get done. 

For example, many Republican senators want a now-lapsed surveillance law that allows intelligence agencies to spy on foreign threats to be reauthorized.

The problem? They need Democratic support to overcome a filibuster in the Senate.

President Trump has now twice thwarted efforts to win over that support.

The first time he named Bill Pulte, the controversial head of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac who had no intelligence experience, as acting director of national intelligence. Democrats and Republicans alike howled in protest.

Trump backtracked by formally nominating Jay Clayton, a more acceptable nominee to both parties, for the role at the end of last week.

But hours before a confirmation hearing for Clayton, itself quickly scheduled, Trump changed the game again, suddenly announcing he was delaying the nomination and demanding senators attach his sought-after election security legislation to the intelligence reauthorization.

One Republican senator, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said there is widespread frustration among Republicans with Trump’s surprise move.

“Because we get things on the track, and then you know, somebody throws something off, puts a penny on the track, and derails the train,” the senator said. “It’s not that easy to get 53 people going in the same direction. So, yes, it is disruptive to the process.”

It’s far from the first time Trump’s last-minute moves have derailed the plans of Republican senators.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who is retiring and has frequently criticized the White House and Trump, told reporters Wednesday this is just the latest time the president has blocked a GOP........

© The Hill