The honeymoon period of the second Trump administration has given way to a new phase where elected Republicans have grown emboldened to defy the president and push back on his administration.

Why it matters: As Trump approval numbers sag and concerns grow over the 2026 midterms outlook, Republicans are fending for themselves and stepping out of line from their party leaders. • They've bucked Trump on the release of the Epstein files (before Trump reversed to save face) and pooh-poohed tariff rebate checks, while Indiana state senators have resisted Trump's redistricting calls.

Trump Cabinet members have also started to draw a skeptical eye from some Republicans. • Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) called for Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth to testify under oath over the operation that killed alleged

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