President Trump Is Composing a More Harmonious Congress

FROM EIR DAILY ALERT

President Trump Is Composing a More Harmonious Congress

Nov. 7, 2018 (EIRNS)—While the “resist” Democrats rant about what they will do to Trump and his cabinet, he and more clear-headed Republicans and Democrats are considering how they may make the Congress function.

During his press conference today, President Donald Trump reported that he had had a very friendly discussion with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), presumed to become the next Speaker of the House, whose capabilities he praised to the press. Roll Call reports that Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who will continue as Senate Majority Leader, is talking about his history of cooperation with Pelosi dating to their joint work on the House Appropriations Committee.

Trump tweeted his support for Pelosi as Speaker of the House, and, referring to Democrats considering replacing her, offered, “If they give her a hard time, perhaps we will add some Republican votes. She has earned this great honor!” He assured incredulous reporters that he was completely serious in this.

Another possible change in Republican Congressional leadership was reported by The Hill. Jim Jordan (R-OH), a founder of the House Freedom Caucus and a leading Trump supporter, has announced a campaign for House Minority Leader. His main opponent is likely to be retiring Speaker Paul Ryan’s chosen successor, Kevin McCarthy (CA).

Jordan said,

“In 2016, the American people elected Republicans to come here and change thi s town. I think the President is doing just that, but I don’t think they see the same intensity from folks in Congress, folks in the House of Representatives.... Now that we’re in the minority ... about all we can do is debate, but fight hard in the debate for the principles, for the things that we know the American people sent us here to do in 2016. Show them that we deserve to be back in power in 2020.”

The Freedom Caucus has fought hard against the Mueller witch-hunt against Trump, and, unlike some other Republicans, has generally not opposed Trump’s attempts to develop positive collaborative relationships with China and Russia.