The level of Republican loyalty to Trump has troubled Corker and Sen. In the Capitol on Thursday, the Senate sided with the Trump administration to vote down a GOP plan that would have given Congress greater oversight over deals between foreign and U.S. Mark Sanford’s ouster in a Republican primary Tuesday was a harsh reminder of the perils of crossing Trump and a new incentive for incumbents to stick with the president. Intraparty tension has been evident all week across the country as Trump tightens his grip on the GOP and Republicans abandon long-held principles on trade and national security to align with the president’s policies. The flashes of anger underscore the Republican Party’s turbulent state less than five months before midterm elections that threaten to wipe away its congressional majorities. Their disputes have centered on amendments to an annual defense bill – raising the temperature even more in a legislative chamber known for its cordiality.

Graham also clashed with Republican Sens. “But at the end of the day we’re not helping here to suggest that somehow the Republican Party is a cult.” I think he’s very, very smart,” Graham said Thursday. One person who witnessed the encounter said Graham accused Corker of trying to destroy the Republican Party as Corker heads toward retirement.Ĭorker’s portrayal of his colleagues’ support for Trump as “cult-ish” has bothered Graham and other senators. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., a frequent Trump critic, according to several people familiar with the exchange. During a private luncheon Wednesday, Sen.

Cult animosity shows no letting up