President Trump Floats The Nuclear Option

The government shutdown is still underway. The Senate failed to pass a new budget. Democrats are hung up on DACA protections, even though the deadline is over a month away (March 5th).

This was a slimy political move by the Democrats. They know exactly what they’re doing. This is the Schumer Shutdown.

Negotiations are continuing, and the blame game is continuing. It’s clear from their tweets that Democrats never planned on preventing a shutdown. They wanted it to happen. They wanted a shutdown on the anniversary of Trump’s presidency.

The priorities Americans want to see addressed (pensions, DREAMers, health care for kids, etc) aren’t controversial. So why did Republicans choose a #TrumpShutdown over these bipartisan ideas?

— Rep. Marc Veasey (@RepVeasey) January 20, 2018

It’s fitting that the one year anniversary of @realDonaldTrump’s inauguration is also the first day of the GOP’s #TrumpShutdown. #AYearOfTrump

— Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) January 20, 2018

Ready & willing to do the work to open government. Republicans should put an end to the #TrumpShutdown. Let's get to work! pic.twitter.com/xWmkZFPdMF

— Yvette D. Clarke (@RepYvetteClarke) January 20, 2018

From #Trumpcare to the #TrumpShutdown, “leadership” is the last word we would use to describe the last year of Republican control in Washington. #AYearOfTrump pic.twitter.com/s1ZoDCZeIv

— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) January 21, 2018

I’ll be speaking to @chucktodd soon on @MeetThePress. President Trump rejected two bipartisan offers to solve this crisis. It’s time for him to lead, work with us, and end this reckless #TrumpShutdown.

— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) January 21, 2018

House Speaker Paul Ryan can’t take any of them seriously. He said Democrats rejected a bill they have no issues with.

“They opposed a bill they don’t even oppose,” he said.

Senate Democrats shut down the government over a bill they have no issues with—a bill that keeps government open and extends health insurance to nearly 9 million children. They opposed a bill they don't even oppose. We do some crazy things in Washington, but this is madness. pic.twitter.com/SW4YPzKTfc

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) January 20, 2018

McConnell echoed his sentiments.

The United States of America is officially in Day 1 of a government shutdown, thanks to #Senate Democrats. pic.twitter.com/ePmf7cGaeF

— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) January 20, 2018

Here’s the difference between the Democratic Leader and the rest of the #Senate tonight:
⬇️
He wants to keep the government shut down for hundreds of millions of Americans until we finish negotiating on illegal immigration.

— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) January 20, 2018

I’m no fan of McConnell, but he’s absolutely right about that.

In 2013—the last time we found ourselves in this position—here is what Senator Schumer said: "No matter how strongly one feels about an issue, you shouldn't hold millions of people hostage." He was right! You shouldn't. But that's exactly what he and his party are doing now. pic.twitter.com/nXfIzPGY1s

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) January 20, 2018

Senator Schumer said in 2013: "I believe in immigration reform. What if I persuaded my caucus to say, 'I'm going to shut the government down…unless I get my way?' It's a politics of idiocy, of confrontation, of paralysis."

"Politics of idiocy." His words, not mine. pic.twitter.com/aF2ZWePuYj

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) January 20, 2018

The federal government is needlessly shut down this morning because of Senate Democrats. They need to stop this reckless game and vote for the bill to keep government open, pay our troops, and fund children’s health care.

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) January 20, 2018

Day 1 of the #SchumerShutdown is almost over. Senate Democrats once again blocked a non-controversial bill that would fund the government, America’s military, and health insurance for 9 million children.

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) January 21, 2018

I hope Senator Schumer comes to his senses and ends this shutdown madness sooner rather than later. The whole country is watching.

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) January 21, 2018

The White House said they’re not even going to open negotiations on illegal immigrants until this is squared away. Will that be enough to get the Democrats to budge?

I have no idea.

With this kind of back and forth, it feels like they’ll never reach an agreement. Perhaps that’s why President Trump dropped this bomb:

Great to see how hard Republicans are fighting for our Military and Safety at the Border. The Dems just want illegal immigrants to pour into our nation unchecked. If stalemate continues, Republicans should go to 51% (Nuclear Option) and vote on real, long term budget, no C.R.’s!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018

In other words, he’s floating the idea of changing the rules so they can pass legislation with a simple majority.

Here’s the thing– I don’t know if Trump actually means that or if he’s using it as a negotiating tactic. Maybe he’s putting the “extreme” on the table to make Chuck squirm.

What do you think? Will it work?