What’s happened
President Trump may take aim at dozens of congressional Democrats in another attack on his opponents. Earlier this year, the Republican president attacked Democrats on Twitter after they voted against the administration’s plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Now, Donald Trump is threatening to deport Democratic members of Congress if they vote against a tax cut bill he considers vital for the country. The White House believes the plan is necessary to avoid significant economic growth.
Some Democrats have expressed fears that they would be deported, but administration officials say any such actions would be illegal. “We would make it very clear to them that we are not kidding around and that they would be not permitted to go anywhere,” homeland security adviser Tom Bossert said on ABC’s This Week on Sunday.
What they said
Jeff Flake (Arizona), Arizona Senator
“The Senate has now a historic opportunity to act on this promise of a [popular] president.”
What he’s saying now
It’s too late to do anything
John McCain (Arizona), Arizona Senator
“He seems like a sincere man, but this kind of about face on immigration shows he is doing the bidding of the gun lobby, which is maintaining the status quo, and undercutting our efforts to enforce our laws.”
What he’s saying now
This is retaliation
J.D. Gardner (Kentucky), Representative
“I don’t see any specific justification for Mr Trump. In my view, the president is too reckless to be in any position to define how the tax bill should be passed.”
What he’s saying now
I feel bad
Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut), Senator
“We all put aside partisan issues in Congress and play on a team with all of the other members on both sides of the aisle. Unfortunately, Donald Trump does not.”
What he’s saying now
I am sorry
Chris Van Hollen (Maryland), Representative
“This is a power grab. The president has gone too far by not comporting himself as a unifying figure and by attempting to defy bipartisan traditions.”
What he’s saying now
I am sorry
Peter King (New York), Representative
“I love the administration, but to be sure they are on the same team is very important. President Trump appears to be firmly against the effort to get the tax bill to him so they can win.”
What he’s saying now
I am sorry
Dan Newhouse (Washington), Representative
“The president’s reckless comments open the door to dangerous attacks on candidates.”
What he’s saying now
I am sorry
Ben Ray Lujan (New Mexico), New Mexico Democratic Party chair
“The most important thing is for everyone to know that I am not beholden to President Trump. I never thought I was going to be. I stood up to him when he insulted John McCain. And he should stand up to me when I make a statement about the issue of health care.”
What he’s saying now
I am sorry
Vilma Santos (Connecticut), State senator
“If that is what the Trump administration wants, then this sends the message that no one is safe in America – not Democrats, not Republicans, not immigrants, not ordinary citizens, not the vulnerable.”
What she’s saying now
I was blindsided