Despite his criticism of Democrats in Congress, often calling them “Do-Nothing Democrats,” Trump celebrated the signing of the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement Wednesday. The trade agreement was a success thanks largely to the deal’s bipartisan support.
The president held an event on the White House lawn to commemorate the signing. In a display of his unchecked frustration over his own impeachment, he explicitly invited only Republican lawmakers to the event.
Trump has sought to use trade and the US economy as evidence that he has not abused his power. However, the articles of impeachment against him having nothing to do with trade.
During the event on Wednesday, Trump triumphantly announced “a colossal victory for our farmers, ranchers, energy workers, factory workers and American workers in all 50 states,” framing the agreement as a boon for workers.
“The USMCA is the largest, fairest, most balanced and modern trade agreement ever achieved. There’s never been anything like it,” the president insisted.
Trump loves talking about trade. His bickering with China resulted in an escalating trade war with the manufacturing giant. The two nations only recently began tentative talks of a trade agreement.
Trump also campaigned largely on his distaste for NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement.
When USMCA was first sent to Congress, the House proposed numerous changes to the wording and functionality of the bill.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi insists the agreement was the work of bipartisanship in the House. Both republicans and democrats made the bill stronger and more equitable.
Ways and Means Committee Chair Richard Neal championed the re-worked bill. He fought for support in Congress so it could pass. Thanks in part to his work, the agreement was passed into law.
However, Trump invited neither Speaker Pelosi nor Chair Neal to the White House lawn to celebrate the legislation they helped to pass.
Trump is almost certain to feature USMCA prominently in his promotional material for his reelection, despite its status as a truly bipartisan piece of legislation.
