Washington Edition

Trump’s Push to Punish GOP Dissenters Creates Risks for Party

The president’s emphasis on intraparty retribution opens new potential roadblocks

A detailed view of a hat that reads “Make Louisiana Great Again” is seen at a campaign event for U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA), a primary rival to incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.).Photographer: Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images North America

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By Jonathan Tamari (BGOV)

May 18, 2026 at 11:12 AM UTC

I’m Jonathan Tamari, senior Washington reporter for Bloomberg Government, and each weekday I’ll be coming to you with inside-the-room reporting and insights that reveal what’s really happening in Washington—and how it impacts you. Email me with feedback and comments here. If this newsletter was forwarded to you sign up here.

Today: Bill Cassidy backlash, Trump’s big trades, and new ballroom problems.