Why Republicans in Congress are turning against Trump

For most of this year, Republican members of the House of Representatives seemed to move in lockstep with President Donald Trump, not hesitating to back him on controversial measures on immigration and the economy.

But now they seem to be breaking ranks.

Some Republican members of Congress have stood up to Trump on the release of the Epstein Files, tariffs, health care subsidies, boat strikes in the Caribbean, and other issues.

They’ve voiced frustration with House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has let Trump set the agenda for Congress even as the president’s approval rating continues to decline.

Some GOP members of the House, fed up with partisan gridlock, stalled legislation, and threats of political violence, are just calling it quits altogether. They’re either retiring or resigning to seek other offices.

The GOP could potentially lose its razor-thin margin even before the midterms. Once Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene officially resigns in January, Republicans will only have a one-seat advantage.

Today, Explained’s Astead Herndon talked to Leigh Ann Caldwell, chief Washington correspondent for Puck News, about what’s causing the House GOP exodus and what it could mean for the party in power.

Below is an excerpt of their conversation, edited for length and clarity. There’s much more in the full episode, so listen to Today, Explained wherever you get podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Pandora, and Spotify.

In the last few weeks we’ve heard quite a few Congress people say they’re........

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