Trump accuses Republicans of ‘death wish’ as Senate threatens to defy him on key bills
President Trump and his party are battling it out in the final weeks of his term
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump warned Senate Republicans they have a “death wish” if they defy him by blocking a House-passed bill to provide up to $2,000 in direct payments to Americans coping with the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also again urged Republicans to get behind his calls to roll back legal protections for social media giants he claims are censoring conservatives. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday said the chamber is starting a “process” to vote on both issues – but he was vague on the timing of those votes.
“Unless Republicans have a death wish, and it is also the right thing to do, they must approve the $2000 payments ASAP. $600 IS NOT ENOUGH! Also, get rid of Section 230 - Don’t let Big Tech steal our Country, and don’t let the Democrats steal the Presidential Election. Get tough!’ the president tweeted after a round of golf at one of his Florida resorts.
Mr Trump’s tweet came after his party’s top senator, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s attempt to quickly send to Mr Trump’s desk a House-passed bill providing an extra $1,400 payment to Americans struggling due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The New York Democrat wanted the chamber to approve a measure backed by his party and the GOP president to bring the total amount of a new round of stimulus checks to $2,000. He requested the Senate do so by unanimous consent, but he was shot down.
The fate of the House legislation lies with the objecting McConnell, who could tee it up for floor votes later this week.
He might decide to attach language on the checks to language that would repeal or dramatically overhaul the Section 230 protections.
Lacking 60 votes on either matter, both presidential demands likely would be voted down.
Mr Trump’s “death wish” threat appeared a reference to the 2020 congressional midterm elections. The president has suggested he, as a post-presidency kingmaker, find conservative candidates to run in primaries against any sitting GOP members who have defied him.
He remains wildly popular with conservative voters, making his threat real in a year control of the House and Senate will again be on the line.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments