President Trump has increasingly relied on his own gut instincts, dismissing the counsel of aides, conservative lawmakers, and longtime associates. This has led to a series of decisions that have confounded and frustrated Republicans, heightening fears that voters will punish the GOP in the November elections.
Trump's recent moves have included agreeing to a preliminary peace deal with Iran, which has drawn criticism from hawkish conservatives and some Republican lawmakers. The deal has been seen as a financial lifeline to Tehran without doing enough to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Trump has also blown up the Senate's plans to quickly confirm a new intelligence chief and renew a critical spying law, preventing his own nominee from appearing at a confirmation hearing so that his acting pick for the job could serve in the role longer.
As he has faced criticism from some in his own party, Trump has made comments in recent weeks that have stunned his political allies, including saying he doesn't care about the midterm elections and playing down the effect of high prices on Americans.
White House officials have defended Trump's off-the-cuff style, arguing that it has helped build a base of support that has stuck with him for a decade. However, inside the White House, some aides have privately expressed frustrations about Trump's recent moves.
Trump's decision to appoint his housing chief, Bill Pulte, as acting intelligence director has rankled some of the president's aides, who have clashed with Pulte behind the scenes. Trump has in turn expressed frustration with his staff, knocking advisers for discouraging him from talking about his hard-edge immigration policies ahead of the midterms.
