The C.I.A. is pushing for expanded powers to carry out its own drone strikes, and the White House is said to favor the proposal despite Pentagon objections.
Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson, who sees himself as a steward of taxpayer dollars, slashed the number of diplomats attending the United Nations General Assembly next week.
President Trump’s tentative deal with Democrats has elevated the one issue that most fiercely divides Republicans, threatening the party’s broader agenda.