Welcome to the second installment of Day by day Kos’ new collection that tracks the ridiculous excuses Republicans make to defend Expensive Chief Donald Trump and his lawless and merciless actions.
This week, Trump imposed tariffs on the USA’ largest buying and selling companions, unilaterally shuttered the U.S. Company for Worldwide Improvement. He additionally stated he desires to expel Palestinians from the Gaza strip so he can flip it right into a resort.
Moreover, Trump let co-President Elon Musk and his crew of racist and unqualified DOGE minions have entry to the Treasury Division’s cost system that disburses trillions of {dollars} and comprises Individuals’ delicate private knowledge.
In case you thought that any of these insane actions would draw criticism from Republicans, effectively, you would be improper.
Republicans twisted themselves in knots to defend Trump and Musk.Right here’s how Republicans reacted to Trump this week.
On Elon Musk’s hostile takeover of the federal authorities
Republicans are infamous for railing towards “unelected bureaucrats” within the federal authorities. However now that Trump made Musk into essentially the most highly effective unelected bureaucrat in authorities, permitting him to unilaterally shutter federal businesses, halt federal spending already permitted by Congress, and have entry to the Treasury Division cost system that doles out trillions in federal spending yearly, Republicans are superb with it.
“I think the administration has every right to demand accountability and transparency in all these programs,” Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, informed NPR about Musk’s function in shuttering USAID.
“I think there’s a gross overreaction in the media to what’s happening,” Johnson stated. “The executive branch of government in our system has the right to evaluate how executive branch agencies are operating to ensure that not only the intent of Congress in funding mechanisms, but also the stewardship of precious American tax dollars, is being handled well. That’s what they’re doing.”
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REPORTER: Is there an inconsistency with Republicans railing towards ‘unelected bureaucrats’ in cost and but ceding Article 1 powers to the chief department beneath Elon Musk?
MIKE JOHNSON: No, look … I believe there is a gross overreaction within the media to what’s occurring
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2025-02-05T15:52:47.850Z
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, additionally defended Musk, at the same time as his actions to shutter USAID might have devastating impacts for farmers in her personal state, because the company bought hundreds of thousands price of corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, vegetable oil, and peas from Midwest farms.
“It is going to be a very aggressive movement on the part of Republicans, President Trump, and Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, so the Democrats need to get used to this,” Ernst stated. “We are going to find ways to focus our American taxpayer dollars on the things that they should be spent on, which is the American people and our interests.”
Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, made a equally taunting assertion.
“To my friends who are upset, I would say with respect, ‘Call somebody who cares,’” Kennedy stated. “You better get used to this. It’s USAID today, it’s going to be the Department of Education tomorrow.”
Home Republicans additionally blocked an effort by Democrats to subpoena Musk and drive him to testify about DOGE’s actions.
“Hear, I believe what President Trump is doing by appointing Elon Musk is completely good. And I say that from this attitude: We’ve got a spending downside. … . It will take some unconventional thought course of, some unconventional knowledge, to get us out of the mess that we’re in proper now,” Republican Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan, (R-MI) stated on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”
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Lisa McClain on Morning Joe: “Listen, I think what President Trump is doing by appointing Elon Musk is absolutely brilliant. We have a spending problem. It is going to take some unconventional thought process, some unconventional wisdom, to get us out of the mess we’re in right now.”
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2025-02-07T14:41:51.051Z
That ought to make us all really feel higher.
On expelling Palestinians from Gaza
The proposal would doubtless bathroom the USA down in one other pricey overseas struggle—each financially and with the lives of U.S. troops—and defied Trump’s marketing campaign promise to convey peace to the world.
However once more, Republicans defended Trump, saying his proposal was simply revolutionary considering from their Expensive Chief.
In the meantime, Speaker Johnson known as Trump’s proposal “a bold, decisive move, and I think you have to do something to eradicate the threat to Israel.”
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REPORTER: Sure or no, do you imagine the US ought to take management of Gaza?
MIKE JOHNSON: We await additional particulars on what precisely that appears like. This can be a daring, decisive transfer, and I believe you must do one thing to eradicate the menace to Israel.
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2025-02-05T15:50:11.695Z
Senate Majority Chief John Thune had a tougher time defending it however didn’t criticize Trump, shrugging when requested if this was a good suggestion.
Thune stated that Trump “desires a extra peaceable and safe Center East and put some concepts on the market.”
On imposing tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China
Essentially the most pushback Trump acquired this week was when he sought to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and 10% tariffs on China, which might undoubtedly increase costs for U.S. shoppers.
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, stated that Trump’s tariffs are a “disaster for trade.”
“What we have sent a message this week on is that we’re not just going to enforce our southern border. We’re going to put extra resources at that northern border, as well. So Canada needs to come to the table,” Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem informed “Meet the Press.”
And Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky stated that the tariffs had been ill-advised.
“It will drive the cost of everything up,” he stated. “In other words, it will be paid for by American consumers. I mean, why would you want to get in a fight with your allies over this?”
Trump in the end backed down off the Mexico and Canada tariffs, after the leaders of each nations provided him concessions round border safety that had already been on the desk.
And that’s when the fawning feedback got here in, with Republicans praising Trump as a genius negotiator—regardless that the gives from each presidents had been nothing new.
“Thank you, President Trump! Our country finally has an advocate for American farmers, families, and businesses in the White House!” Republican Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa, wrote on X after Trump introduced a halt within the tariffs.
“The world is watching as the president shows, in no uncertain terms, his ability to bring our neighbors together to stop illegal activity and promote security in North America,” Republican Rep. Adrian Smith of Nebraska wrote on X.
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