Senate negotiators are working on a compromise to revamp border and immigration policies while aiding Ukraine.
Donald Trump is actively trying to thwart the bipartisan agreement, pressuring Republicans to oppose it, primarily to undermine President Biden’s chances for re-election.
Despite some GOP members siding with Trump, others, such as Senators Thom Tillis and Mitt Romney, are critical of the former president’s interference, emphasizing the need for sound policymaking.
“I didn’t come here to have the president as a boss or a candidate as a boss. I came here to pass good, solid policy,” Tillis said.
“It is immoral for me to think you looked the other way because you think this is the linchpin for President Trump to win.”
“The border is a very important issue for Donald Trump. And the fact that he would communicate to Republican senators and Congress people that he doesn’t want us to solve the border problem — because he wants to blame Biden for it — is really appalling,” Romney said.
“The American people are suffering as a result of what’s happening at the border. And someone running for president ought to try and get the problem solved, as opposed to saying, ‘Hey, save that problem! Don’t solve it! Let me take credit for solving it later.’”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell initially suggested the package’s likely failure due to Trump’s opposition, but later left room for a possible breakthrough.
The Wall Street Journal and Politico argued against killing the deal under Trump’s urging, emphasizing the potential consequences and benefits of the compromise.
The next 72 hours are expected to be crucial for the fate of the border deal and Ukraine aid.
