GOP senators urge Trump to stay silent as midterm campaign heats up

A group of Republican senators voiced growing irritation with Donald Trump’s habit of publicly rebuking party colleagues as the midterms approach. Thom Tillis warned that Trump’s criticism may discourage voters who support the president from casting ballots for Republican candidates. Steve Daines asked when Trump would focus his attacks on Democrats instead of fellow GOP members.

Trump had earlier called for the Senate to forgo its August recess unless his stalled SAVE America Act was approved, and he also criticized Majority Leader John Thune. Additionally, Trump suggested some senators opposed his attorney-general nominee Todd Blanche because they feared he would not back them in their campaigns. The senators contend that Trump’s confrontational stance threatens the party’s chances in November.