Topline
On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump supported Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's refusal to help Democrats pass a temporary funding bill that included a measure to increase the debt ceiling. This rare case in which both Republican leaders were in agreement on strategy was reflected in his support for McConnell's tactic.
CULLMAN (ALABAMA) - AUGUST 21, 2018: Donald Trump, former President of the United States, addresses supporters at York Family Farms' "Save... [+] America!" rally on August 21, 2021, Cullman, Alabama. Two days prior to the Trump rally, Cullman declared an emergency due to the rising number of coronavirus-related cases and the lack of ICU beds in Alabama. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health 67.5% of state's population have not been fully immunized. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images). Getty Images
The Key Facts
In a statement, Trump stated that the debt limit is the most powerful tool Senate Republicans have in negotiations with Democrats. Democrats pointed out that the increase would be used to pay off debts incurred during the Trump administration. Trump critic, Sen. Mitt Romney (Republican from Utah), said in a statement that it would be disastrous for the U.S. to default. However, he agreed with the GOP strategy of forcing Democrats into a single position. McConnell (R-Ala.), and Senator Richard Shelby (R.Ala.), have suggested an alternative funding bill for government. It would include spending on Afghan refugee resettlement as well as natural disaster aid, but not the debt limit. Top Democrats have not indicated any plans to remove the debt ceiling and add it to the budget reconciliation bill. This bill can pass without GOP support, though Senator Tim Kaine (D. Va.) suggested the idea to Politico.
Important Background
Since Trump left office, McConnell and Trump have become increasingly divided over ideology and tactics. This is partly due to McConnell publicly holding Trump accountable for the attack on Capitol 6 January 2016. In July, Trump threatened to support primary challenges against Republicans that voted for the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. This bill was passed with McConnell's support. McConnells leadership is also being challenged by Trump, according to reports.
Surprising Fact
Forbes reported that Kennedy told Forbes Monday that he would likely vote for the funding bill. This made him one of few Senate Republicans who even considered the idea. Kennedy, R-La., said Wednesday that he was back in the undecided. Kennedy stated Monday that he had told Forbes on Monday that he would vote for the funding bill to help Louisiana recover after the storms of this summer. He suggested that the amount of $600 million is not sufficient and called for an acceptable range between $1 billion and 1.5 billion.
Tangent
Trump also criticized a slashed election reform bill that was unveiled last week by Democrats. He stated it would be the end to democracy and encouraged Republicans to not give up on their cause.
