See Trump’s evolving views on government shutdowns
WASHINGTON — It’s axiomatic in Washington that the arguments never change — just which side is making them.
As recently as last May, Trump seemed to relish a spending fight with Democrats.
“Our country needs a good ‘shutdown’ in September to fix mess!” he tweeted, after reaching a compromise with Democrats to avoid a filibuster over a spending deal.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders explained what he meant this week: “He said it would be good politics. “Look, that’s never been a preference of this administration. It wasn’t then; it isn’t now.”
More: No immediate resolution to spending impasse after Trump, Schumer met on shutdown
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More: Trump cancels Mar-a-Lago trip as government shutdown deadline approaches
Look back a few years earlier — when then-President Obama was sitting where Trump is now and Trump was sitting on the set of The Apprentice — and Trump seemed to have very different ideas about a government shutdown.
Then: “Obama & the Democrats want this shutdown. They think it helps their electoral prospects for 2014. Don’t believe!” (Via Twitter, Oct. 1,2013)
Now: “Shutdown coming? We need more Republican victories in 2018!” (Via Twitter, Friday)
Then: “’Here’s the truth, the gov’t doesn’t shutdown.’… All essential services continue. Don’t believe lies.” (Via Twitter, Sept. 23,2013)
Now: “A government shutdown will be devastating to our military… something the Dems care very little about!” (Via Twitter, Thursday)
Then: “Stocks rose yesterday during the first day of government shutdown. Markets like being left alone for a day.” (Via Twitter, Oct. 2,2013)
Now: “It also means jobs. You see what’s happening with respect to jobs…. So our tax cuts and our tax reform has turned out to be far greater than anybody ever anticipated, and I’m sure the Democrats would like to blunt that by shutting down government.” (Remarks to reporters at the Pentagon Thursday)
Then: “Congratulations to @SpeakerBoehner on standing strong and tying government shutdown to defunding ObamaCare.” (Via Twitter, Sept. 20,2013)
Now: “The Democrats want to shut down the Government over Amnesty for all and Border Security.” (Via Twitter, Tuesday)
Then: “Government is shut down yet Obama is now harassing the privately owned @Redskins to change its name. He needs to focus on his job!” (Via Twitter, Oct. 7,2013)
Now: President Trump has canceled his planned visit to Mar-a-Lago this weekend while spending talks continue. Whether he’ll remain focused on the shutdown remains to be seen, but history suggests otherwise.
