Koch network pushes back on Trump's Washington

There are even signs of retribution afoot against Republicans who have enabled Trump’s notions on spending, trade, immigration and foreign policy.

As the Koch-backed Seminar Network began a three-day summit in the Rockies, officials on Saturday had tough words for Republican-dominated Washington, especially on the escalating trade wars. Although the 500 donors gathered here still stand ready to spend as much as $400 million on politics and policy ahead of November’s elections, few are enchanted with the GOP’s hold on power. Although they’ve spent billions to shape the current political scene, the Trump Administration is far from what they had hoped for.

“Stand by our principles and whatever cost. Resist all temptations in short-term gain,” Charles Koch told guests gathered at the grand Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, Colo. “That’s exactly what we’re doing.”