President Donald Trump speaks during a breakfast with Senate and House Republicans in the State Dining Room of the White House, Wednesday. (Photo: AP) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday addressed Republican senators at the White House, hours after the party suffered losses in the New York mayoral election and gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey.
‘I wasn’t on the ballot’
Trump, who hosted GOP senators for a White House dinner, tried to defend himself, suggesting that his name not being on the ballot affected the party’s fortunes on Tuesday.
“They say that I wasn’t on the ballot was the biggest factor. I don’t know about that, but I was honoured that they said that,” he said.
‘We learned a lot’
He, however, admitted that Republicans were not the odds-on favourites to win the elections on Tuesday. “Last night was not expected to be a victory,” he said. “I don’t think it was good for Republicans.”
“I’m not sure it was good for anybody, but we had an interesting evening,” while also noting, “We learned a lot.”
Trump blames government shutdown
According to the US President, the government shutdown was a “big factor, negative” for the Republican party in the elections and called on the senators to bring it to an end.
“We must get the government open,” Trump said.
End filibuster
“It’s time for Republicans to do what they have to do,” he said. “Terminate the filibuster.”
“It’s possible you’re not going to do that, and I’m going to go by your wishes. You’re very smart people, you’re good friends, but I think it’s a tremendous mistake,” Trump said. “It would be a tragic mistake. Actually, it’s time.”
The filibuster is a Senate rule for agreement by 60 of its 100 members to pass most legislation. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate and a 219-213 majority in the House of Representatives.
During the Wednesday gathering, Trump also played down concerns that the Democrats could take power. He argued that if the Senate eliminates the filibuster, Republicans will be able to maintain power by jamming through what he sees as popular legislation.
Trump told senators that the ongoing government shutdown was impacting the stock market, as well as airlines and SNAP food benefits for low-income Americans.
