Trump, McConnell feud puts GOP agenda on hold
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump’s escalating feud with his top Senate partner undercuts the president’s stalled agenda on a tax overhaul and budget while prompting swift pushback from Republican senators who have lined up squarely behind Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Mr. Trump launched a barrage of criticism at Mr. McConnell over the collapse of the seven-year GOP campaign to repeal and replace Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act and even suggested on Thursday that the Kentucky Republican might have to rethink his future as
leader if he doesn’t deliver on the president’s legislative lineup.
“Well, I tell you what, if he doesn’t get repeal-and-replace done and if he doesn’t get taxes done, meaning cuts and reform, and if he doesn’t get a very easy one to get done, infrastructure, if he doesn’t get them done, then you can ask me that question,” the president told reporters in Bedminster, N.J., where he is in the midst of a 17-day break from Washington.
Mr. Trump on Thursday called Mr. McConnell’s failure to pass an Obamacare repeal last month “a disgrace.” On Friday, Mr. Trump retweeted headlines from “Fox & Friends” about his verbal assault on Mr. McConnell and possible fallout for GOP senators who criticize the president.
There was no immediate response from Mr. McConnell’s office. But members of the Republican caucus praised Mr. McConnell.
“Passing POTUS’s legislative agenda requires a team effort. No one is more qualified than Mitch McConnell to lead Senate in that effort,” tweeted Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate.
“From health care to tax reform to infrastructure, tough issues to tackle this fall and none better than @SenateMajLdr to get a good outcome,” tweeted Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.
A sitting president openly turning on a Senate majority leader of his own party in such a fashion is practically unheard of — yet another norm destroyed since Mr. Trump’s rise on the political scene. And while the fighting words might elate Mr. Trump’s core supporters, they can only hurt broader Republican efforts to move major legislation this fall on taxes and spending while preparing for congressional elections next year against energized Democrats who are rallying to retake the House. Republicans control both chambers, but the Trump factor in many races remains a mystery.
Mr. Trump’s comments came after he spent two days slamming Mr. McConnell on Twitter, writing Thursday morning that after “screaming” about repealing and replacing Obamacare for seven years, Mr. McConnell “couldn’t get it done.” Several hours later, the president’s tone took a motivational turn ashe exhorted Mr. McConnell to “get back to work” and pass bills. “You can do it!”
The presidential megaphone amplified the McConnell-bashing that’s been snaking through conservative media: Breitbart News, Fox News’ Sean Hannity and radio host Rush Limbaugh are among those who have vilified the leader after the Senate’s failure on health care.