Trump's sway over GOP rapidly melting away as end of his term nears

WASHINGTON — Just a few weeks ago, President Trump, even in defeat after the November election, dominated the Republican Party — able to bend lawmakers to his will and assert a strong claim to the party’s nomination for another White House run four years from now.

Today, as the final days of his presidency hurtle toward their close and the House prepares to impeach him for a second time, Trump’s formidable control of the party has rapidly eroded.

Events have moved so fast, and Trump’s power has waned so quickly, that the prospect of a Senate conviction of the president — either removing