President Trump delivered a meandering speech to House Republicans on Tuesday, touting his own accomplishments but largely failing to address pressing issues facing the party heading into the November midterms.
The speech, which lasted over an hour, was meant to rally the caucus behind the GOP's agenda but instead saw Trump spend more time airing grievances and making light of sensitive topics. He jokingly described himself as "liberal-minded" in order to win votes from transgender voters, while also mocking his predecessor Barack Obama for using a wheelchair.
Trump also failed to discuss key policy initiatives or legislation on his agenda, including the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured leader Nicolas Maduro. The capture is reigniting debate about Trump's powers over Congress to authorize the campaign against Venezuela, though House Republicans have largely been supportive of the administration's efforts there.
The president did touch on some issues, such as bringing down drug prices and meeting with companies to discuss health insurance. However, these topics were not pursued in much depth, and Trump instead spent a significant amount of time musing about unconstitutionally seeking a third term as president.
The speech came at a critical juncture for the House GOP, which is facing a narrowing majority in the wake of Rep. Doug LaMalfa's death and former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation. The party is looking to maintain its slim hold on the House, but Trump's leadership has been plagued by infighting and divisions within the caucus.
The meeting was also seen as an opportunity for Trump to corral Republican lawmakers and align the party behind his agenda. However, rank-and-file lawmakers have increasingly felt emboldened enough to buck Trump and the leadership's wishes on issues such as the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
In the end, Trump's speech seemed to fall short of its intended purpose, leaving many questions about what the party's priorities will be heading into the midterms.
The speech, which lasted over an hour, was meant to rally the caucus behind the GOP's agenda but instead saw Trump spend more time airing grievances and making light of sensitive topics. He jokingly described himself as "liberal-minded" in order to win votes from transgender voters, while also mocking his predecessor Barack Obama for using a wheelchair.
Trump also failed to discuss key policy initiatives or legislation on his agenda, including the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured leader Nicolas Maduro. The capture is reigniting debate about Trump's powers over Congress to authorize the campaign against Venezuela, though House Republicans have largely been supportive of the administration's efforts there.
The president did touch on some issues, such as bringing down drug prices and meeting with companies to discuss health insurance. However, these topics were not pursued in much depth, and Trump instead spent a significant amount of time musing about unconstitutionally seeking a third term as president.
The speech came at a critical juncture for the House GOP, which is facing a narrowing majority in the wake of Rep. Doug LaMalfa's death and former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation. The party is looking to maintain its slim hold on the House, but Trump's leadership has been plagued by infighting and divisions within the caucus.
The meeting was also seen as an opportunity for Trump to corral Republican lawmakers and align the party behind his agenda. However, rank-and-file lawmakers have increasingly felt emboldened enough to buck Trump and the leadership's wishes on issues such as the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
In the end, Trump's speech seemed to fall short of its intended purpose, leaving many questions about what the party's priorities will be heading into the midterms.
? That's some weird messaging right there.
. If they can't get behind him on key issues, how are they going to maintain control in the House? The midterms are coming up and it's time for some real leadership, not just some flashy speeches.
. He's all like "I'm liberal-minded" and that's supposed to win votes from trans people? Um, no, dude 
. And making fun of Obama in a wheelchair? That's just not cool 
. I don't think he even mentioned the most important issues, like Venezuela or healthcare 
. It was all about him and his accomplishments, but what about the party's agenda? 
? That's not exactly on the books, is it? 
. I'm just worried that he's gonna mess things up again, and the party's gonna lose because of it 
.
. And that's not how you build a coalition or get things done 
. I'm just hoping that some of the rank-and-file lawmakers are gonna speak up and tell him what's really going on 
.
! So President Trump just delivered this super long speech and it was SO disappointing 
. And what's up with making jokes about sensitive topics like Barack Obama using a wheelchair? Like, seriously, get some respect for our first black president 
. Anywayz, I'm worried about the midterms now and whether Trump's party is gonna come out on top 
.
. Trump's not being honest with the American people, and it's only going to make things harder for him (and them) in the long run 
. Are they even prepared? It feels like their party is more divided than a family at Thanksgiving 
. it's like, dude, you can't just make a joke about using a wheelchair and expect everyone to laugh. that was lowkey hurtful. anyway, it seems like trump's speech didn't do much to rally the party or even help him achieve his agenda. now i'm curious how the midterms will play out 
, last yr he did the same thing during that rally in nashville 
. anywys, some stats to keep in mind: 
-25 
. but it didnt work this time around 
.
. I mean, it's a major issue right now and you'd think he'd want to talk about that instead of rambling on about his own presidential ambitions 
.
. Newsflash, though: the party needs some real direction and leadership, not just a bunch of empty promises and tantrums 
. Maybe he should take this as a sign to actually listen to what the party wants instead of just trying to push his own agenda 
.
like who calls themselves liberal-minded and then mocks barack obama for using a wheelchair? and what's up with all this ramblin' about seekIN a 3rd term? get real dude, it's time to hang it up already 
. anyway, looks like trump's speech was a major letdown, not sure what the house republicans are gonna do without some direction 
. And what's with this whole "liberal-minded" thing? Is he really tryin' to win over trans voters or is it just a PR stunt 
. I'm all for Trump trying to bring down drug prices and fix the healthcare system, those are real problems that need solving 
. And can we give him some credit for actually doing something about Venezuela? I know it's not perfect, but at least he's taking action 
. Maybe his speech just wasn't executed well, like he needs to work on his timing and stuff