President Trump slammed the Democrats’ spending demands and complained about threats of a government shutdown in a series of tweets, even as GOP leaders in Congress neared a deal with Democrats to keep the lights on past Friday.
In a series of tweets, Trump accused Democrats of threatening to close the government over a refusal to back spending increases for defense and border security despite indications that Democrats have already signed off on a GOP request for those funds. The morning tweetrage suggests that Trump hopes to claim credit for an eventual deal or blame Democrats if that deal falls apart tomorrow or next week.
[In case you missed it] President Trump isnt sure if he wants to renogotiate NAFTA or terminate it
I promise to rebuild our military and secure our border. Democrats want to shut down the government. Politics!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2017
What's more important? Rebuilding our military – or bailing out insurance companies? Ask the Democrats.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2017
As families prepare for summer vacations in our National Parks – Democrats threaten to close them and shut down the government. Terrible!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2017
Democrats used to support border security — now they want illegals to pour through our borders.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2017
Democrats jeopardizing the safety of our troops to bail out their donors from insurance companies. It is time to put #AmericaFirst🇺🇸
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2017
Democrats are trying to bail out insurance companies from disastrous #ObamaCare, and Puerto Rico with your tax dollars. Sad!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 26, 2017
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) told reporters that the negotiations remain on track despite Trump’s public complaints and the fact that Democrats support many of the policies listed among Trump’s complaints, including funding health-care benefits for coal miners.
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“It was out of touch with reality,” Schumer said of Trump’s tweets. “If there’s a shutdown it falls on their shoulders, I think they know that.”
The short-term spending measure, which would extend current funding levels beyond the end of this week, comes as negotiators are nearing an agreement on a budget to increase military spending and border security and keep the government open through the end of September.
