Washington, July 15 — A fresh wave of infighting has gripped the Republican Party as lawmakers clash over President Donald Trump’s latest round of budget rescissions proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The $9.4 billion package, which targets public broadcasting and foreign aid programs, has ignited fierce debate ahead of a critical Senate vote scheduled for this week.
The rescissions bill, passed narrowly by the House last month, includes $1.1 billion in cuts to PBS and NPR, and $8.3 billion slashed from USAID programs, including initiatives supporting global health and LGBTQ rights. While hardline conservatives have rallied behind the measure, moderate Republicans are voicing alarm over its potential impact on essential services and international diplomacy.
“I cannot support the cuts that are so deep and so damaging in global health programs,” said Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), referencing the proposed rollback of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program credited with saving millions of lives.
Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) have also expressed reservations, particularly over the threat to rural radio stations and emergency broadcasting services.
Trump’s Ultimatum
President Trump has doubled down on his demands, warning that any Republican who votes against the bill will lose his endorsement. “Any Republican that votes to allow this monstrosity to continue broadcasting will not have my support,” he posted on Truth Social, referring to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
The president also reignited his feud with Elon Musk, accusing the tech mogul of opposing the bill to protect Tesla’s interests. Trump hinted that DOGE might investigate SpaceX and electric vehicle subsidies, joking that “DOGE might have to go back and eat Elon”.
A Party Divided
The internal GOP rift mirrors earlier tensions over Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), which passed amid controversy over Medicaid cuts and tax reforms. With the Senate facing a Friday deadline to approve the rescissions package, Speaker Mike Johnson has urged lawmakers not to amend the bill, warning that any changes could derail its passage.
Political analysts say the civil war could have lasting consequences. “Republicans are walking a tightrope between loyalty to Trump and protecting their constituents,” said Costas Panagopoulos, a political science professor at Northeastern University.
As the Senate braces for a vote-a-rama and potential amendments, the outcome may determine not only the fate of DOGE’s cuts but also the GOP’s unity heading into the 2026 midterms.
