Trump’s Support Crumbles, Raskin Says
Rep. Jamie Raskin argued on MSNBC that Republican opposition to a Trump settlement deal demonstrates weakening party control and constitutional violations regarding presidential spending authority.
Republican Control Fracturing Over Trump Settlement Deal, Says Democratic Critic
According to Breitbart News, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) appeared on MSNBC’s “Deadline” on Friday to argue that President Donald Trump‘s grip on his party is weakening amid growing congressional opposition to a major settlement agreement.
Raskin claimed that more than a dozen Republican lawmakers have publicly objected to the arrangement, suggesting “the bottom is falling out for Donald Trump in terms of his ability to micromanage and control” party members. The Maryland Democrat characterized the backlash as evidence that legislative intervention could succeed in blocking what he described as constitutionally problematic.
The Democratic representative raised concerns about the settlement’s legal standing. He contended that the Domestic Emoluments Clause in Article II of the Constitution restricts presidential income to official salary, prohibiting additional federal funds. According to Raskin, the arrangement would grant Trump nearly $1.8 billion in discretionary spending authority—funds he could distribute to associates and political supporters without congressional oversight.
Raskin characterized the deal as self-dealing and a violation of constitutional principles governing executive conduct and the rule of law. He also noted that when Trump attorney Todd Blanche attempted to persuade Republican legislators to support the settlement, he reportedly faced substantial resistance from within the caucus.
With information from Breitbart News
