Former NBC News chief political analyst Chuck Todd warned on June 27, 2026, that President Donald Trump’s repeated criticism of Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska may be pushing her closer to the Democratic Party. Todd noted that Murkowski, a moderate GOP senator not up for reelection until 2028, has broken with Trump on several key issues.

In a social media post, Todd wrote, “The more Trump goes after Murkowski, the more likely the real number Dems will need to take control of the Senate is ‘3’ not 4 — as she has hinted at before, she can decide to caucus with the other side if she chooses.” Todd added that if Democratic challenger Mary Peltola wins the November election against GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan, it would be consistent for Murkowski to acknowledge that her state wants a Democratic Senate.

Trump criticized Murkowski at an event on June 27, telling the crowd she will “never win another election.” Murkowski has publicly opposed Trump’s top legislative priority, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, citing concerns about federal interference in state-run elections. She also joined other Republicans and Democrats in voting for a war powers resolution urging the withdrawal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran.

Meanwhile, moderate Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, who has also faced threats from Trump, told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that he answers only to his constituents in Bucks and Montgomery counties, Pennsylvania.

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