Republicans Distancing Themselves from Trump on Key Issues

<p>Congressional Republicans are increasingly distancing themselves from President Trump on foreign policy and economic issues as they seek to maintain their majorities. </p><p><strong>Why it matters: </strong>While not engaging in a complete revolt against Trump, some Republicans are exploring ways to separate themselves from him, indicating concerns about upcoming elections.</p><hr /><p><strong>Driving the news:</strong> Trump, facing requests from Republican lawmakers to impose a ban on diesel exports, announced on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York that he would support such a ban.</p><ul><li>Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), along with Iowa GOP Reps. Ashley Hinson and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, have called for the ban to address rising diesel costs for U.S. farmers and truckers.</li><li>Sullivan and Hinson are currently in competitive Senate races.</li></ul><p><strong>Just on Tuesday:</strong> Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) criticized Trump's decision to host Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state dinner.</p><ul><li>Wicker urged Trump to consider Xi's reputation as a dictator whose military capabilities are directed at the U.S.</li><li>Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) has called for the Senate Judiciary Committee to subpoena Donald Trump Jr. regarding his foreign business dealings and funds received from a Russian oligarch for his wedding.</li><li>Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), a Trump ally, emphasized the need for transparency regarding family involvement in the presidency.</li></ul><p><strong>On Iran:</strong> The Senate is expected to vote this week on a war powers resolution, with uncertain Republican support.</p><ul><li>Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) stated they are monitoring the situation closely.</li><li>The House recently passed a war powers resolution rebuking Trump's military actions against Iran, receiving notable Republican backing.</li><li>Both Hinson and Michigan's Republican Senate candidate, former Rep. Mike Rogers, have advocated for ending the war.</li></ul><p><strong>On the trail:</strong> Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) expressed in a campaign ad that Trump's immigration policies have gone too far.</p><ul><li>Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who faced primary challenges due to Trump, noted that Salazar's sentiments resonate with many constituents.</li><li>In Iowa, Hinson recently did not attend a rally hosted by Vice President Vance.</li><li>Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) removed several references to Trump from his campaign website, according to the Miami Herald.</li></ul><p><strong>The bottom line:</strong> Trump's approval ratings have reached record lows, prompting some lawmakers to publicly challenge him.</p><ul><li>Retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) commented that members of the GOP are reflecting their constituents' views and should express them openly.</li><li>Tillis also suggested that the administration allow members to be themselves to succeed in elections.</li></ul>