NOW, PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP is sharply criticizing the emerging accord, throwing its prospects into question. Why? Because, as we’ve seen time and time again, anything short of a full embrace from the president is not enough for Republicans. Unless you have that, negotiating with a Cabinet secretary can be like dealing with an independent contractor with the best intentions, but limited authority. Some Republicans have been quietly downplaying the Mnuchin-Schumer talks, and perhaps this is why.
AT 11:33 P.M., TRUMP tweeted, “Republicans had a deal until Nancy Pelosi rode into town from her extended vacation. The Democrats want the Virus to win? They are asking for things that have nothing to do with our great workers or companies. They want Open Borders & Green New Deal. Republicans shouldn’t agree!” He also retweeted criticism of the deal, and said “this will never be approved by me, or any other Republican!”
SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT, SCHUMER told reporters that he and MNUCHIN were close to a deal. MNUCHIN had called TRUMP, SCHUMER said, and the president “seemed very happy with that.”
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