Midterm elections in the US

Trump Creates Discontent Among Senate Republicans

President Donald Trump's relationship with leading Senate Republicans is becoming increasingly strained, The Hill reports. After several conflicts over how to handle various issues, the White House and Senate Republicans have begun to pull in different directions, while the party struggles to maintain its majority in the midterm elections.

Several Republican senators say their trust in Trump has decreased after the president has repeatedly ignored the views of Thunes and other party leaders.

The latest example came when Trump ordered his choice for director of national intelligence, Jay Clayton, to not participate in a Senate hearing. The decision went against the strategy that Republican senators had laid out and left them puzzled.

"We can't surprise the president and he can't surprise us. Every time that happens between now and November, our chances of retaining the majority decrease," says Republican Senator Thom Tillis.

Democrats attract more voters ahead of the midterm elections

More American voters have voted in the Democratic primary elections ahead of the midterm elections than in the Republican primary elections, according to an analysis by the Washington Post.

A total of 12.6 million people have voted in the Democratic primary elections, while 8.6 million have participated in the Republican primary elections.

The number of Democratic voters has also increased in traditionally Republican electoral districts, including Georgia's 10th congressional district.

There is concern among Republicans that the party could lose its majority in Congress this fall. Donald Trump has urged Republican-controlled states to redraw electoral districts to benefit the party during the year.

One of the most notable redistrictings has taken place in Texas, but according to an analysis by the Washington Post, it is unclear whether the strategy has had the desired effect. Democrats have received more votes in most of the state's primaries, while the number of Republican votes has only increased in two districts. 

Data: States could lose millions in funding if they refuse election changes

The Trump administration is threatening to freeze tens of millions of dollars in federal funding to states if they do not implement a series of changes ahead of the midterm elections. This is reported by several sources to CNN.

The measure is said to be part of Donald Trump's attempt to counteract what he describes as election fraud.

Among the requirements for gaining full access to funds from the Department of Homeland Security is to phase out electronic voting machines and return to paper ballots. The states must also conduct voter audits through a controversial program that the department has developed.

- All recipients of federal funds should expect accountability for how taxpayer money is used, says a spokesperson for the department, who does not want to comment on the data in more detail.

In total, the department is distributing about one billion dollars, equivalent to approximately 9.6 billion kronor, through various programs during the current fiscal year.