Rebellion

The Republican majorities in both the Senate and House are showing increasing resistance to Trump these days. True to form, he's responding by doubling down and deliberately stoking tensions. The former president seems to take particular pleasure in watching Republican lawmakers squirm as they're forced to defend his most controversial positions. Meanwhile, he's systematically working to protect his future interests, pulling all sorts of manoeuvres to line his pockets and shield himself and his family from potential tax investigations once he's out of office.

His latest provocation perfectly illustrates this approach: engineering the downfall of Representative Thomas Massie in Kentucky's Republican primaries.

Even more telling is his backing of Tom Paxton for the Texas Senate primaries. Trump's chosen to throw his weight behind one of American politics' most toxic figures rather than support John Cornyn, a seasoned and well-respected (among Republican) Texas senator. This recurring tactic—picking off rebellious Republican members of congress or even congressmen who happens to displease him, by lavishly funding rival candidates—is starting to seriously wind up the Senate Republican establishment.

Hence this rebellion that's emerging from conservative ranks—tentative still, but definitely there if you know where to look.