Sen. John Kennedy Calls on Trump to ‘Control’ GOP Caucus as Government Shutdown Looms
Senator John Kennedy, R-La., is urging President-elect Donald Trump to step in and “control” the Republican caucus as a massive interim spending bill and potential government shutdown approach. In an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Kennedy believes that Trump is the only one capable of reining in the GOP and that House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., needs Trump’s help to pass the “skinny” continuing resolution.
Kennedy suggests that Trump sit down with Johnson and incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to craft a new “skinny C.R.” that is more palatable to conservative opponents of the bill. He also notes that President Trump has the authority to negotiate with Speaker Johnson and get all the Republicans in line.
Kennedy emphasizes that the national debt and budget deficit are pressing concerns, with the U.S. national debt currently standing at $36,189,345,826,140.62 and a projected $2 trillion deficit in 2025. He believes that Trump should prioritize finding a solution to the debt crisis and encourage Republicans to come together and support a solution.
However, Kennedy acknowledges that there is strong opposition to the current bill within the GOP caucus, citing the objections of Trump’s pick to co-chair the Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk. Trump himself has also released a joint statement opposing the initial version of the deal.
The senator expressed concern that the bill, which he likened to a “multiple vehicle pile-up,” was too big and complex to pass and would likely result in further trouble.