WASHINGTON — An unnamed former aide to President Donald Trump called Vice President JD Vance a figure with "negative rizz"—slang for a lack of charisma—the latest sign of friction inside a Republican Party struggling to project unity.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has warned of a legislative "train wreck" driven by internal divisions as the chamber works through a crowded agenda.
Policy disputes have also broken into the open. Rep. Dan Crenshaw and Vance clashed publicly over inflation in what became known as the "burrito debate," exposing a rift over economic messaging within the party.
Vance drew separate attention after he commented on a columnist's weight, saying, "I feel pretty good about that."
On the legislative front, Dr. Mehmet Oz urged senators to reject a hemp amendment proposed by Sen. Ted Budd, another illustration of the range of competing views inside the Republican caucus.
With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Thune and other GOP leaders face pressure to keep those factions in line. Their ability to do so will shape what, if anything, the party can deliver legislatively.
