The Wall Street Journal editorial board warned Sunday, June 29, that President Donald Trump’s recent attacks on Republican senators could severely damage his presidency and jeopardize the party’s legislative agenda. The Rupert Murdoch-owned publication criticized Trump’s public confrontation with GOP lawmakers over his spending proposals as potentially self-defeating.
The controversy erupted over the weekend when Trump launched attacks against three Republican veterans: Senator Rand Paul and Representative Thomas Massie, both of Kentucky, and Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina. The lawmakers had spoken out against White House spending proposals as part of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”
Following Trump’s threats to support a primary challenger against him in 2026, Tillis announced Sunday he would not seek re-election. The North Carolina senator delivered a fiery speech on the Senate floor that evening, criticizing the President as “misinformed” and advised solely by “amateurs.”
The Journal’s editorial board characterized Trump’s behavior as part of a troubling pattern. The newspaper noted that Trump has “an uncanny habit of handing his opponents the sword” when events are moving in his favor. Despite Sunday’s Senate vote representing a triumph for the GOP, the editorial board indicated that Trump could not leave the victory alone.
The publication warned that Tillis’ pre-emptive withdrawal from the 2026 race creates another pickup opportunity for Democrats. While Republicans currently maintain a Senate majority of 53-47, the Journal highlighted several vulnerable seats that could shift control to Democrats.
The editorial board specifically noted that Senator Susan Collins faces a challenging race in Maine, while Democrats are targeting Senator Joni Ernst in Iowa. Additionally, the potential run by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against incumbent Senator John Cornyn could put the party’s foothold in the historically red state at risk.
The Journal’s analysis extended beyond individual Senate races to broader implications for Trump’s agenda. The editorial board emphasized that GOP legislative reforms would have no chance if Democrats take the House in 2026. The publication further warned that if Democrats also capture the Senate, confirming another Supreme Court nominee would become impossible.
The newspaper delivered its starkest assessment of the potential consequences, stating that under such circumstances, “The Trump Presidency will be dead in the water.”
This latest criticism from the Journal represents part of an ongoing pattern of editorial opposition to various Trump policies. The Murdoch-owned publication has previously attacked Trump’s economic policies, particularly his tariff strategies, which the editorial board has characterized as potentially damaging to the economy.
In recent months, the Journal has published multiple editorials warning about the economic consequences of Trump’s trade policies. The newspaper has argued that tariffs could lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth, concerns that have been echoed by Federal Reserve officials.
The editorial board’s criticism of Trump’s political strategy reflects broader concerns about the President’s tendency to create controversy even when his administration is achieving legislative victories. The Journal suggested that Trump’s inability to maintain focus on policy successes could undermine his broader political objectives.
The timing of the editorial proves particularly significant as Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” has been moving through Congress. The legislation represents a key component of the President’s domestic agenda, making Republican unity crucial.
The Journal’s warning about potential Democratic gains in 2026 comes as political analysts begin examining the electoral landscape for the midterm elections. Historical patterns suggest that presidents’ parties typically face challenges in midterm contests, making Republican retention of congressional seats more difficult.
The editorial board’s assessment reflects growing concern among some conservative voices about Trump’s political strategy and its potential long-term consequences for Republican governance. The criticism from a traditionally supportive publication signals potential fractures within the conservative media ecosystem.
As the legislative process continues, the Journal’s warnings about Trump’s approach to intraparty disputes may influence how other Republican lawmakers navigate their relationships with the White House. The editorial suggests that Trump’s confrontational style could ultimately prove counterproductive to achieving his policy objectives.
