In a recent appearance on CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” President Trump failed to present any fresh strategies for resolving the ongoing government shutdown and dismissed Democratic calls to tackle the rising costs of Obamacare insurance premiums. For more details, you can view the full interview here.
During the interview, Trump echoed Republican rhetoric, stating he would not be “extorted” by Democrats into negotiating to end the government shutdown. This stalemate continues as the shutdown stretches into its second month, leaving government employees without paychecks and 42 million people without food assistance.
Trump expressed confidence that Democrats would eventually relent, saying, “I think they have to cave, and if they don’t, it’s their problem.”
On the subject of escalating health insurance costs, Trump offered only vague assurances of addressing the issue, which has plagued him since his first term began in 2017.
“We’re going to work on fixing the bad healthcare we have,” Trump declared. “Right now, it’s terrible and too expensive for the people.”
Trump reiterated his call for Republican leaders in Congress to abolish the filibuster rule in the Senate, a rule that currently requires a 60-vote supermajority for most legislative actions.
“Republicans have to get tougher,” Trump told CBS. “If we end the filibuster, we can do exactly what we want.”
Scrapping the filibuster would allow the GOP to end the shutdown unilaterally, but Senate Republicans warn that ending it would give Democrats the green light to pass controversial policies of their own when or if they retake control of Congress.
With the shutdown nearing an all-time record, some Capitol Hill observers predict both sides may seek to reach a compromise later this week after voters go to the polls in off-year elections in New Jersey, Virginia, California and New York City.
Trump also vowed to resume nuclear testing after a 35-year pause and falsely accused geopolitical rivals of testing nuclear weapons when they have actually only tested missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, a crucial distinction.
“Russia’s testing nuclear weapons,” Trump said. “And China’s testing them, too. You just don’t know about it.”
The president defended his campaign of retribution against political rivals, including ordering up spurious probes of former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
“I think I’ve been very mild-mannered,” Trump said.
