Speaker of the House Paul Ryan was asked by reporters today what he thought about GOP front-runner Donald Trump’s threat that if he didn’t work with President Trump on his proposals he’d “pay a big price.”
His answer:
https://twitter.com/rollcall/status/705443996408127488
Trump made the threat at his press conference in Florida on Super Tuesday when asked about how he thought he’d work with Congress:
Just amazing: Trump says he's sure he'll get along with @SpeakerRyan. But "if I don’t, he’s going to have to pay a big price, OK?"
— Mike Memoli (@mikememoli) March 2, 2016
Trump says he doesn't know Paul Ryan but will have a great relationship with him. "And if he doesn't, he'll pay a big price." Great start.
— Brit Hume (@brithume) March 2, 2016
Trump turns question on Congressional relationship into threat on @SpeakerRyan: "And if I don't, he's going to have to pay a big price, OK?"
— Jason Seher (@jhseher) March 2, 2016
There’s a reason Ryan is “laughing out loud.” As long as Ryan is Speaker of the House, he controls the legislation, not Trump. Ryan is needed as an ally, not an enemy.
Trump, who released his health care plan last night, seems to acknowledge that as the plan is — surprise — heavy on working with Congress to get what he wants:
… will be difficult to repair unless the next President and a Republican congress lead the effort to bring much-needed free market reforms to the healthcare industry.
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And:
But none of these positive reforms can be accomplished without Obamacare repeal. On day one of the Trump Administration, we will ask Congress to immediately deliver a full repeal of Obamacare.
And:
But none of these positive reforms can be accomplished without Obamacare repeal. On day one of the Trump Administration, we will ask Congress to immediately deliver a full repeal of Obamacare.
However, it is not enough to simply repeal this terrible legislation. We will work with Congress to make sure we have a series of reforms ready for implementation…
And:
Any reform effort must begin with Congress. Since Obamacare became law, conservative Republicans have been offering reforms that can be delivered individually or as part of more comprehensive reform efforts. In the remaining sections of this policy paper, several reforms will be offered that should be considered by Congress so that on the first day of the Trump Administration, we can start the process of restoring faith in government and economic liberty to the people.
Congress must act. Our elected representatives in the House and Senate must act…
And:
Businesses are allowed to take these deductions so why wouldn’t Congress allow individuals the same exemptions?
And:
Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America.
And:
Finally, we need to reform our mental health programs and institutions in this country. Families, without the ability to get the information needed to help those who are ailing, are too often not given the tools to help their loved ones. There are promising reforms being developed in Congress that should receive bi-partisan support.
To reform healthcare in America, we need a President who has the leadership skills, will and courage to engage the American people and convince Congress to do what is best for the country. These
MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell referred to the health care plan as evidence Trump was “already beginning the process to caving” to Speaker Ryan:
As predicted last night @realDonaldTrump is already beginning the process of caving to @speakerryan. @thelastword 10pm
— Lawrence O'Donnell (@Lawrence) March 3, 2016
Well, maybe not “caving” but it’s certainly a dose of reality.
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