Trump’s Heated Exchange with Welker Highlights Difficult Task Ahead for GOP Presidential Nomination

Former President Donald Trump engaged in a heated exchange with new “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker this week at his Bedminster, New Jersey estate. During the hour-long interview, Trump discussed a range of legal issues and his role in the Jan. 6 attack, while continuing to promote falsehoods about the 2020 election. Trump also sought to give himself wiggle room on critical issues such as abortion, the war in Ukraine, interest rates, and his opinion of his party’s efforts to impeach President Joe Biden.

The duality of Trump as a candidate was on full display during the interview, as he seeks to carve out a policy-messaging lane fit for the general election. This could make it difficult for him to work across the aisle and avoid a government shutdown, which is looming in the next eight days. Back in June, it took Democratic votes to push through that debt ceiling deal.

To discuss the potential government shutdown, House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Mike Turner, Republican of Ohio, was interviewed on “Face the Nation” on Sept. 17, 2023. Turner noted that it is important for both parties to come together to find a solution that works for everyone. He also said that it is important to remember that the government shutdown is not just about the budget, but also about the policies that are attached to it.

The potential government shutdown is a reminder of the difficult task ahead for Trump and his party as they seek to win the GOP presidential nomination and challenge the Democrats next fall. With the clock ticking, it remains to be seen if the two parties can come together to find a solution that works for everyone.