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Donald Trump on Monday lashed out at a Republican senator who criticized the recent executive orders the president says would provide relief to those who are out of work because of the coronavirus and some protection against being postponed.
Mr. Trump used a tweet Monday morning to make Nebraska GOP Senator Ben Sasse a “RINO,” short for “Republican by Name,” and mocked him over his last Senate campaign.
“RINO Ben Sasse, who needed my support and distinction to get the Republican nomination for the GREAT State of Nebraska House of Representatives, has now become rogue again, thank you President. “tweeted the president. “This folly is playing right into the hands of the Radical left dems!”
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Mr. In a weekend statement, Sasse called the coronavirus-relief themed orders “unconstitutional slop.” He and other GOP lawmakers, such as Mr. Trump, were sharply critical of former President Barack Obama’s second-term use of executive orders.
“The pen-and-phone theory of executive legislation is unconstitutional,” Mr Sasse said in a statement. “President Obama did not have the power to unilaterally rewrite immigration law with DACA, and President Trump does not have the power to unilaterally rewrite the tax law.”
Mr. Sasse has been among a handful of GOP senators who have felt comfortable talking about some of Mr. Trump’s most controversial statements and actions.
The Nebraska Republican spoke out after Mr. Trump signed orders on benefits for homelessness, a suspension from the tax service and protection from disclosure when talks with House and House Democrats ended last week.
Mr Sasse found him in agreement with, of all people, Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“I associate myself – remarks with Senator Sasse, who says they are ‘unconstitutional slop’. I think that’s fine,” she told CNN on Sunday.
Prime Minister Lindsey Graham, an ally of Trump, said he would prefer White House and Congress legislation to help people affected by the pandemic.
Taxation and expenditure matters are legally required to be written by Congress, originating in the House. Presidents, however, have authorities to interpret how tax and expenditure laws are implemented, which is where legal battles over the orders are likely to be fought.
Some GOP lawmakers had warned Mr. Trump weeks ago to take action on a tax cut or suspension, saying monies would help programs like Social Security and Medicare – popular with senior voters who in large numbers support Trump coalition have fled.
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