Trump is threatening Republicans who don’t practice blind allegiance.
Trump had a message for House Republicans this morning as they gear up for a final vote on the American Health Care Act. He warned that anyone who votes against the bill might lose their seat in 2018.
According to Politico, when Trump entered the room, he was met with cheers and then he “gave a full-throated endorsement to the House repeal bill that will come to the floor for a vote on Thursday.” Trump then warned, “I’m asking for your vote on Thursday. Many of you came in on the pledge to repeal and replace Obamacare. I honestly think many of you will lose your seats in 2018 if you don’t get this done.”
The Washington Post adds that “Trump used both charm and admonishment as he made his case,” going so far as to threaten to “come after” any Republicans who vote against the bill.
“I’m gonna come after you, but I know I won’t have to, because I know you’ll vote ‘yes,’ ” Trump said, according to several Republican lawmakers who attended the meeting. “Honestly, a loss is not acceptable, folks.”
If the House passes the healthcare bill, it’s sure to die in the Senate. And as Trump’s approval rating numbers continue to circle the drain, Republicans will be even less inclined to support anything he touches. After the Congressional Budget Office released their assessment of the new plan, a growing number of Republicans have pulled support for the bill. And now that it’s been announced the White House is under FBI investigation for colluding with Russia during the 2016 election, Trump will likely lose even more support from Republicans in Congress.
A number of Freedom Caucus members who attended the meeting said they still weren’t convinced they should support the new plan. One of Trump’s earliest campaign supporters, Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), said his mind was not changed because of the president’s remarks nor was GOP Rep. Mark Sanford, the former South Carolina governor, changing his mind.
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