Trump Threatens to Primary GOP Senators Who Clipped His War Powers

Hours after the Senate voted to advance a war powers resolution rebuking the White House’s current and future actions in Venezuela, President Donald Trump placed “angry” calls to the Republicans who broke ranks, according to people familiar with the matter, Julie Tsirkin reported for NBC News.

Soon after the vote, Trump reportedly threatened each senator with primary challenges, vowing to unseat them. (Photo: Lisa Murkowski Facebook)

Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Todd Young of Indiana voted with Democrats to require the administration to obtain congressional approval for future military action in Venezuela.

Thursday’s vote was procedural and advanced the legislation to a full Senate vote, which will require a simple majority.

Soon after the vote, Trump threatened each senator with primary challenges, vowing to unseat them, the people said.

Two sources described the calls as “direct but cordial.” However, in at least Collins’ case, Trump sharply criticized her and raised his voice, according to a person familiar with the exchange.

Collins, a six-term senator who is up for re-election this year, has not formally announced her political plans.

A person close to her told NBC News that Trump’s rhetoric would not influence her decision. Trump later wrote on Truth Social that all five senators “should never be elected to office again.”