Friction between Trump and Republican senators is growing before the pivotal midterm elections

Trump’s surprise delay of Jay Clayton’s confirmation and his threat to block renewal of a key surveillance law have sharply strained relations with Senate Republicans.
The split has led to public criticism from GOP senators, slowed Senate business (over the Iran deal and Trump’s voting bill) and put vulnerable Republicans on the defensive before November.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is being cast as a steady mediator amid widening internal fights over the filibuster, the voting bill and recent primary upsets.