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Over the weekend, President Donald Trump signed off on executive orders extending federal unemployment and extending a hold on evictions. Moreover, another order slashed the payroll tax, meaning that Social Security and Medicare will be funded less, but workers will bring home more on their paychecks.
These moves were ostensibly to help the struggling economy during the ongoing pandemic. Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who was an early critic of the president, slammed Trump over the move. “The pen-and-phone theory of executive lawmaking is unconstitutional slop,” said the Senator.
“President Obama did not have the power to unilaterally rewrite immigration law with DACA, and President Trump does not have the power to unilaterally rewrite the payroll tax law. Under the Constitution, that power belongs to the American people acting through their members of Congress.”
After the remarks, the president excoriated the Senator on Twitter. “RINO Ben Sasse, who needed my support and endorsement in order to get the Republican nomination for Senate from the GREAT State of Nebraska, has, now that he’s got it (Thank you President T), gone rogue, again,” wrote the president. “This foolishness plays right into the hands of the Radical Left Dems!”
The acronym “RINO” stands for “Republican in Name Only”. It’s often used in conservative circles to refer to politicians they feel are not far enough right. Trump is well-known for his aggressive, bullying strategy of governance. He commonly tweets challenges and insults to his political opponents, as well as those he deems critical of his administration.
Sasse’s office did not immediately comment on Trump’s statement. However, this is not the first time the Nebraska Senator has criticized Trump’s norm-breaking behavior. Sasse said he wouldn’t vote for Trump when he first announced his run in 2016, saying he was “creepy”.
Despite their insistence on following the Constitution to the letter, few Republicans have openly spoken out against the president.
Trump’s keenly aware of the damage the pandemic has done to both his reputation and the economy. That’s why he’s been turning toward relief legislation, wanting to look like an ally of the working class while they struggle to make ends meet.
The virus, which causes symptoms not unlike Enbrel side effects, has sickened millions and killed over 150,000 in the US alone. Meanwhile, there is no end in sight for the damaging pandemic. While families mourn the loss of loved ones, politicians snipe at one another and bicker over legislation.
