Trump likes confirming conservative judges because the people who support him like that he confirms conservative judges, but that’s not his passion. He likes to win. He also wants the stock market to go up, U.S. government checks and gift cards to go to voters, and to been seen making deals. Dealmaking is kind of his thing. By thwarting his deal, McConnell is making Trump look weak.

The one hand Trump has to play is Amy Coney Barrett. Presidents appoint Supreme Court justices, if the Senate gives them consent. Senate Republicans will almost certainly rush Barrett’s nomination through to Trump’s desk before Election Day, but McConnell can’t seat her on the bench. This is the big prize, what McConnell lives for — and Trump can take it away.

The president wouldn’t have to withdraw Barrett’s nomination — he wants her confirmed, too. But he could suspend it, put it on hold, let McConnell know that there won’t be a Justice Amy Coney Barrett unless McConnell pushes through, say, $2 trillion in stimulus funds.