Melanie Zanona

The Louisiana senator's primary Saturday has been defined by conflict with Trump, including disagreements over the new health-focused members of his coalition.

Trump's approval rating is sinking amid high prices and the war with Iran, but he's still the best at turning out the base voters Republicans need for the midterms.

The Louisiana Republican is running for re-election against Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming.

The Republican, 57, hasn't voted since March 5 due to a “personal medical issue.” Some constituents want more detail, while others are offering him grace for now.

Republicans think they have a potent counter — and it’s centered on Vice President JD Vance’s anti-fraud task force.

The Justice Department said Monday it will abide by a court ruling that blocked the fund as the White House seeks to restart stalled legislation to fund ICE and Border Patrol.

Other progressive members of Congress who endorsed Platner, the leading Democratic candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in Maine, are also coming to his defense.

The now-deleted comment, which received pushback from both Democrats and Republicans, read: “Homosexuality has no place in America. Happy Nuclear Family Month.”

Only one of the four House Republicans behind the Epstein files law will return to Congress next year. “Everybody's paying a price for it,” Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., said.

Trump has used his clout to knock out senators in primaries, issue unachievable demands and force them into politically fraught positions. Some say it's harming his own agenda.