Trump went after retiring Republican Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee with a personal attack that may have killed the Republican plan to cut taxes.
The President tweeted about a member of his own party:
Senator Bob Corker "begged" me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said "NO" and he dropped out (said he could not win without…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017
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..my endorsement). He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said "NO THANKS." He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017
…Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda. Didn't have the guts to run!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017
Trump is lying. The story is reversed. It was Trump and Senate Majority Mitch McConnell who were personally begging Corker to run for another term. Corker also turned Trump down for Sec. of State. On Meet The Press one week ago, Corker made it clear that it would not support any tax plan that raised the deficit.
Corker has also questioned Trump’s mental state and competence, but what seems to have gotten the President going was his comment that Tillerson, Mattis, and Kelly are the only people separating the country from chaos.
Trump has placed his own ego ahead of his political goals, and it could cost him dearly. With Rand Paul, Corker, and Susan Collins as potential no votes with more Senate Republicans already wavering, tax cuts for the wealthy could be dead.
The President had to open his mouth, and as a consequence, he may end 2017 with zero major legislative accomplishments
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
