Republicans Secretly Fuming With Trump as Midterm Disaster Looms

Sources say the president seems 'detached and noncommittal' ahead of potential GOP losses.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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According to White House insiders, some Republicans are privately angry with President Donald Trump because he sounds 'detached and noncommittal' ahead of a potential midterm election disaster. The sources said this has not yet translated to public condemnation, but some on Trump's team are privately bristling over his lack of direction, slumping approval ratings, and signs of a Democratic rally in performance.

Why it matters

Republicans hold an ultra-slim majority in the House, and Trump's lack of engagement and endorsements in key battleground states has rankled some in the GOP, who fear it could lead to costly primary battles and potential losses in the general election.

The details

Trump, 79, has a $300 million-plus war chest, but has yet to approve a spending plan or endorse GOP challengers in some key battleground states like Texas and Georgia. This has forced donors to bankroll expensive primaries, and when challenged, Trump 'can sound detached and noncommittal,' according to one insider. Another source said that on some days, the president quite simply 'seems not to care.'

  • Voting opens later this month, with the primary in early March.
  • A runoff election will be held on May 26 if no candidate receives a majority.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old president who has a $300 million-plus war chest but has yet to approve a spending plan or endorse GOP challengers in key battleground states.

John Cornyn

The Republican senator from Texas who has been drawn into a nasty, and expensive, primary challenge with MAGA favorite Ken Paxton.

Ken Paxton

The Texas attorney general who is hoping to oust Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary.

James Talarico

The Texas state representative who is running as a Democrat against Cornyn and Paxton.

Jasmine Crockett

The U.S. representative who is running as a Democrat against Cornyn and Paxton.

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What they’re saying

“There's only one person in the world who's going to make that decision and we can't wait.”

— John Cornyn, Senator (Washington Post)

“I do think it's a real problem when Senate Leadership Fund is on record supporting Cornyn and Cassidy, and President Trump is either silent or in opposition.”

— Thom Tillis, Senator (Washington Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.