Republicans on Capitol Hill are surprised and "confounded" that the leader of their party, President Trump, sided with top Democrats in the debt ceiling debate this week, hiking it for three months.
He even earned a bit of rare praise from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Then, Trump twisted the knife even further by taking the advice of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi in regards to DACA. At her urging, the president tweeted out a rather compassionate message for illegal immigrants who currently benefit from the program. They don't have to worry during the six-month delay, Trump told them.
What gives, the GOP wondered.
Trump, hearing the criticism, immediately pounced on the opportunity to send this reminder.
Republicans, sorry, but I've been hearing about Repeal & Replace for 7 years, didn't happen! Even worse, the Senate Filibuster Rule will....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 8, 2017
...never allow the Republicans to pass even great legislation. 8 Dems control - will rarely get 60 (vs. 51) votes. It is a Repub Death Wish!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 8, 2017
In other words (those that can't fit in a tweet), if Republicans failed so miserably in regards to health care - something they've been screaming about for seven years - how can they be trusted to enact meaningful tax reform and rein in our debt?
A few Republican leaders, who although admit they were taken aback by Trump's reaching out to Democrats, acknowledged that this is an OK short term solution. House Speaker Paul Ryan told the press Thursday that while not ideal, it is "perfectly reasonable and rational."
On Twitter, the president urged Republicans "to start the Tax Reform/Tax Cut legislation ASAP."
"Hurry!"