Donald Trump’s federal funding freeze is on ice after an eleventh-hour court order delayed implementation until Feb. 3 — but not before it became crystal clear Republicans don’t appear to have any red lines when it comes to the president.
First, congressional GOP leaders didn’t condemn Trump’s threats to circumvent the Senate’s advise-and-consent role on his nominees. Then, Republican lawmakers caved to the president’s push to delay the ban on TikTok — undermining legislation they passed last year.
There was also the party’s about face over Jan. 6, when Republicans who publicly criticized Trump after the Capitol attacks shrugged off his pardons of the riot’s most violent participants.
Now, as Trump wages an all-out assault on Congress’ power of the purse, Republicans are largely letting him get away with it — and are even making excuses on his behalf as the White House scrambles to adjust its messaging amid widespread backlash.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said “I don’t think it’s unusual” for a president to pause federal aid for review, while Speaker Mike Johnson declared it was “an appropriate decision” for a new administration and argued the effects would be “harmless.”
Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota, the No. 3 House Republican, outright applauded Trump in Doral for “doing exactly what he was elected to do.” And GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain of Michigan hailed the move as a “brilliant” idea.
Even some centrists offered what was, at best, muted criticism. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins of Maine said the Trump administration should be more “selective” in what aid is being paused, but that there was “benefit in taking a look at federal spending to see where we can be more efficient.”
What else we’re watching:
- RFK in the hot seat: Democrats on the Finance Committee will try to hit Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hard today at his hearing for HHS secretary, but expect softballs from Republicans. Whether he will win the panel’s approval and advance to a floor vote remains an open question — any one Republican could end his confirmation hopes if Democrats are united in opposition.
- Doral Day Three: It’s Johnson’s last day to pull together a reconciliation blueprint — and he said on Tuesday he still plans to have that solidified by today. Meanwhile, House Freedom Caucus members like Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) are getting impatient to see details on spending cuts.
- ICC updates: After Senate Democrats blocked a bill to sanction the International Criminal Court on Tuesday, it’s unclear if this measure will move forward in any form. Democrats had been trying to strike a deal with the GOP on amending the bill, but Thune has given no indication he’s willing to make changes.
Daniel Payne contributed to this report.