Trump threatens vulnerable GOP senator over health-care vote

President Trump was not subtle during a lunch for Senate Republicans at the White House on Wednesday, pressuring Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) to fall in line with the GOP's health-care bill, The Hill reports. "[Heller] wants to remain a senator, doesn't he?" Trump said, while seated directly beside Heller.

Heller is one of 2018's most vulnerable Republicans, and emotions in his state are running high over his health-care vote. One group recently announced plans to run a seven-figure ad campaign against the senator due to his decision to defy Trump with his opposition to the bill, until Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called them off. And on Monday, a "threatening note" was found at Heller's Las Vegas office, reportedly threatening Heller's life if he voted in favor of the GOP bill.

Trump on Wednesday added that "any senator who votes against debate says you are fine with ObamaCare." He additionally warned Republicans: "Frankly, I don't think we should leave town [for the August recess] unless we have a health insurance plan." Jeva Lange

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up