How Trump Got In The Way Of His Own Bill

5/22/202622 min

Republicans had a filibuster-proof immigration bill that would allocate $70 billion to immigration enforcement and fully reopen the Department of Homeland Security. But then, Trump got involved. First, he wanted $1 billion for "security" for his beloved beautiful ballroom. Then, the Department of Justice announced that $1.776 billion slush fund for Trump's allies. After Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Senate Republicans to make the case for the slush fund on Thursday, everyone got so mad that Senate Majority Leader John Thune gave up on getting a vote together for the immigration bill and sent everyone home for the holiday. To unpack the reconciliation bill mess, we spoke to Pennsylvania Democratic Representative Brendan Boyle. He's the ranking member of the House Budget Committee.

And in headlines, Iran is reportedly reviewing the U.S.'s latest peace proposal, the Trump administration eases restrictions on planet-warming "super pollutants" used in air conditioners and refrigerators, and the Democratic National Committee finally releases its autopsy of the 2024 election.

Show Notes:

Clips

First 90 seconds

Jane Coaston· Host0:00
[upbeat music] It's Friday, May 22nd, I'm Jane Coaston, and this is What Today?, the show deeply inspired by President Donald Trump's total disinterest in Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding. Here he is on Thursday.
Donald Trump· Soundbite0:14
I said, "You know, this is not good timing for me. I have a thing called Iran and other things." Uh, that's one I can't win on. If I do attend, I get killed. If I don't attend, I get killed, by the fake news of course I'm talking about. Now, but he's, uh, got a very, uh... A person who I've known for a long time and hopefully they're gonna have a great marriage.
Jane Coaston· Host0:37
Interesting how the war in Iran is so important that Trump can't go to his son's wedding, but not so important that Trump can't, say, get distracted by ballroom construction or golf. [upbeat music] On today's show, Trump's potty mouth is getting worse and the Democratic National Committee finally released its autopsy with no conclusion, quote, "provided by the author." But let's start with Congress, specifically Senate Republicans. Republicans had a filibuster-proof immigration bill that would contain $70 billion for immigration enforcement and finally fully reopen the Department of Homeland Security. It was going to be awesome, but then Trump got involved. First, he wanted $1 billion for security for his beloved beautiful ballroom.