Laughter erupted on CNN Sunday morning as a joyful Manu Raju delved into the “fresh hill headache” President Donald Trump has created for Republicans on Capitol Hill.
The problem? Trump insisted on prime-time television that Congress pass the SAVE America Act, Raju reported with a smile.
“President Trump is making demands that Republicans simply cannot fulfill,” the CNN host said. “Trump’s obsession over the issue has effectively derailed the GOP agenda.”
The SAVE America Act — a bill to crack down on a pattern of non-citizen voting experts say does not exist — has split leadership in the House and Senate, Raju argued.
He characterized Trump’s demand as foolish as it exposed “sharp divides” in Republican leadership, including between Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
“Typically in an election year, you put together bills that you can divide the other party and get your vulnerable members to vote on so they can go back and tout these issues,” said Raju.
Journalist Nia-Malika Henderson shouted back, “But that’s a hoax!”
Laughter erupted. It wouldn’t be the last time.
Raju argued Trump had made things “so difficult for Republicans” by refusing to accept that his plan “won’t pass muster.”
“Trump just will not accept no for an answer, even though it’s very clear,” said Raju. He then quoted Thune’s questioning of Johnson’s plans to support it; “Is the juice worth the squeeze?”
Once again, there were cackles of laughter.
“I know,” replied Associated Press reporter Seung Min Kim. “Speaker Mike Johnson kind of goes for that instant gratification, he really tries to appeal to Trump.”
Raju then fact-checked Johnson’s claim that most Republican voters joined Trump in wanting the SAVE America Act to be passed, citing a recent Gallup poll as proof.
“[It’s] the economy, of course!” said Raju. “No surprise there.”