WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans held a closed-door lunch with President Donald Trump on Wednesday amid ongoing legislative tensions, as the president pressed for action on a voting bill that lacks sufficient support.
Trump attended the weekly gathering at the Capitol, invited by Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., who oversees the event as GOP steering committee chair. It marked his first such appearance with Senate Republicans in more than a year, according to reports. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said he learned of the invitation from Scott.
The meeting came hours after Trump abruptly canceled plans to sign a bipartisan housing affordability bill at the White House, citing the need for Congress to first pass the SAVE America Act, a priority election security measure requiring proof of citizenship for voting. The cancellation blindsided some Republicans who viewed the housing legislation as an election-year achievement.
Republican senators have expressed growing frustration with Trump’s focus on the SAVE America Act, which they say does not have the votes to pass the Senate. Some outgoing members, including Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, indicated they planned to attend the lunch and urge shifting priorities ahead of midterm elections.
Thune and others have sought to emphasize party unity. “We’ll see what he says,” Cassidy said as he entered the lunch, according to the Associated Press.
Trump has pressured Senate Republicans for months on the voting measure, even as it faces hurdles including the filibuster. Discussions at the closed-door session included broader legislative strategy and party priorities, participants said. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., later described talks about potential changes to Senate rules to advance the president’s agenda.
The tensions reflect divides within the GOP over focus ahead of the 2026 midterms, with some senators concerned that an emphasis on election-related bills could sideline other parts of the party’s platform. Trump has also clashed with Republicans on issues including nominations and spending measures in recent weeks.
Details of the private lunch remained limited as it concluded. Trump later described the gathering positively, stating the party was unified.
No immediate announcements on legislative outcomes emerged from the meeting. Senate Republicans continue to navigate their narrow majority and internal differences as they weigh priorities for the remainder of the session.
