As the 2026 midterm elections approach, a notable shift is occurring among congressional Republicans, signaling a loosening grip by former President Donald Trump. On Capitol Hill, a series of actions last Thursday underscored a growing independence within the GOP ranks, suggesting a strategic distancing from Trump's policies and directives.

In a significant move, seventeen House Republicans supported the reinstatement of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, defying previous party lines. These subsidies had lapsed last month, leading to soaring insurance premiums and mounting political pressure. Although the bill faces a likely demise in the Senate, where Majority Leader John Thune has indicated it will not be brought to a vote, the bipartisan support it garnered sends a strong message. Senators are now scrambling to devise a tailored ACA solution that could reestablish the credits with certain reforms. This plan is in urgent development, with a potential release as early as next Tuesday, aiming to align with the January 15 deadline for open enrollment in most states.

Another area of defiance came with the Senate's move to limit Trump's military authority, particularly concerning actions abroad. Five Republican senators voted to advance a measure that would constrain the President’s ability to initiate military operations. This decision followed heated remarks from Trump, who condemned these senators on social media. The measure is set for a final Senate vote soon, but its future in the House remains uncertain, as evidenced by recent failed veto override votes.

Additionally, the Senate unanimously voted to install a plaque in the Capitol to honor the law enforcement officers who defended the building during the January 6, 2021, attack. This action, led by Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), marks a poignant moment of bipartisanship and serves as a rebuke to Speaker Mike Johnson and the Trump DOJ, which has contested the plaque's compliance with a 2022 law.

While these developments unfold, other significant activities are on the GOP's agenda. Majority Leader Thune is spearheading a trip to the Texas border to promote immigration legislation passed last summer. Meanwhile, congressional appropriators are gearing up to unveil the next spending package, crucial for avoiding a funding gap at the month's end. This package is expected to cover various sectors, including State-Foreign Operations and Homeland Security, though recent events involving an ICE agent may influence its final form.

These diverging paths taken by GOP members indicate a complex reevaluation of their alignment with Trump as they navigate the political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections. As these stories develop, the interplay between party loyalty, public policy, and individual convictions continues to reshape the Republican narrative in Washington.