Trump is systematically removing GOP senators who show any independence, treating them as obligated doormats
Source: Jim Newell. "Texas Senate race: Cornyn’s out, Paxton’s in—and locked in on Talarico’s taco order.." May 30, 2026. slate.com
The Gist
Trump is now going after Republican senators who have been loyal to him just to send a message that they must be completely obedient. Even senators like Cornyn who voted with Trump consistently are being punished for not being enthusiastic enough supporters.
Conclusion
Trump is now targeting Republican incumbent senators for removal not based on policy disagreements, but to enforce absolute loyalty and remind the party that senators must serve as his 'doormat'
Premises
- Trump endorsed Ken Paxton against John Cornyn despite Cornyn being a loyal conservative who never voted against Trump's wishes
- Cornyn's defeat follows a pattern where Trump has now successfully removed two incumbent senators in primaries
- Trump's treatment of Cornyn was particularly cruel since he had no substantial reason to oppose him beyond minor disagreements
- This represents an escalation from targeting senators who actively opposed him (like Cassidy over impeachment) to targeting those who were simply not naturally MAGA
- Trump's actions stem from his view that Senate Republicans have forgotten their role is to serve as his doormat, particularly regarding filibuster and parliamentary procedures
Assumptions
- Incumbent senators traditionally have strong advantages in primaries and their defeat represents unusual political dynamics
- Trump's endorsements carry decisive weight in Republican primaries
- There is a meaningful distinction between policy-based opposition and loyalty-based targeting
- Senate Republicans' institutional independence conflicts with Trump's expectations of absolute loyalty