Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is taking heat for allegedly ruling out a merger of border security and foreign assistance in light of Donald Trump’s stated desire to use immigration as a campaign issue.
The politics of President Joe Biden’s proposed $106 billion deal—which would strengthen border security, send military aid to Israel and Ukraine, and more—were discussed during a conference between McConnell and Republican senators. Reports cite McConnell as saying at the meeting that the Republicans now have the upper hand in discussions about border security and that the party should avoid doing anything that could “undermine” Trump, who is widely believed to be the GOP’s nominee for president in 2024.
In his most recent presidential campaign, Trump emphasized strict immigration policies, as he has threatened to withhold agreement on border security until Republicans secure everything needed to shut down the “invasion” of millions & millions of people illegally entering the nation. In the run-up to the expected rematch between the two candidates in November, Trump has also frequently attacked Biden by bringing up the massive numbers of illegal immigrants at the southern border.
Reportedly, McConnell called Trump “the nominee” and indicated that the ex-president plans to make immigration the focal point of his 2024 campaign, and they don’t want to do anything to “undermine him.”
Some have speculated that in his desire to appease Trump and his campaign, McConnell is prepared to abandon the border security changes previously discussed with Democrats and the money for Ukraine. Thursday, some Republicans in the Senate are utterly stuck, unsure of what to do next. According to conservatives, there has been a change in public opinion against border and Ukraine links. Others have stated they are waiting for McConnell to take action, while others have stated they are still trying to reach an agreement.
Before taking a weekend vacation, Senate Republicans will have one more meeting on Thursday, and Romney expressed his eagerness to hear more from McConnell.
