Sen. John Kennedy Urges Trump to Take Control of GOP Caucus Amid Budget Crisis
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., is urging President-elect Donald Trump to step in and “control” the GOP caucus as a massive interim spending bill and partial government shutdown looms over Washington. Kennedy believes that Trump is the only person capable of reining in the GOP and helping House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., make things happen in D.C.
Kennedy made these statements during an interview with Fox News on Thursday. He emphasized that Speaker Johnson is unable to control the Republican caucus and cannot get all the Republicans together in the House to pass the continuing resolution (C.R.) without Democratic support. Kennedy believes that Trump, as the president-elect, has the power to bring the party together and ensure the passage of the C.R.
The Urgency of Trump’s Intervention
“There’s one person that can control the Republican caucus in the United States House of Representatives right now, and that’s Donald J. Trump,” Kennedy said on “Fox & Friends.” He further expressed his hope that Trump would consider coming to Washington to resolve the situation.
The National Debt Crisis
The urgency of the situation is highlighted by the ever-increasing U.S. national debt, which currently stands at a staggering $36,189,345,826,140.62. The debt is expected to continue growing at a rapid pace, with a $2 trillion deficit predicted for 2025. Kennedy believes that a new “skinny C.R.” needs to be developed, which is more palatable to conservatives who oppose excessive spending.
Kennedy’s Call for Collaboration
Kennedy is calling on President-elect Trump to sit down with Speaker Johnson and incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to find a solution. He emphasizes that Trump’s involvement is crucial because he is now the president and needs to take charge of the situation.
Kennedy recognizes Speaker Johnson’s challenge in dealing with a faction of Republicans who have their own agendas. He believes that Trump’s support and influence will be necessary to unite the party and ensure the passage of the new spending bill.
Conservative Opposition and Trump’s Stance
Conservative opposition to the initial spending bill has sent lawmakers back to the drawing board. Even Elon Musk, President-elect Trump’s pick to co-chair his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), opposed the measure and called for lawmakers who supported it to lose their seats.
Trump’s transition team released a joint statement by Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance opposing the initial version of the deal. Kennedy shares these concerns and sees the bill as problematic, comparing it to a “multiple vehicle pile-up” and stating that he knew there would be trouble as soon as he saw the bill, describing it as “as big as a Costco.”
Conclusion
As the budget crisis looms over Washington, Sen. John Kennedy is urging President-elect Donald Trump to take control of the GOP caucus and help pass an interim spending bill. Kennedy believes that Trump’s influence is necessary to unite the party and ensure the passage of a new spending bill that addresses conservative concerns. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the ever-increasing national debt and the need for a more fiscally responsible approach. With Trump’s involvement, Kennedy hopes that a resolution can be reached and the government can avoid a partial shutdown.
