A meeting between the president of the United States and the highest-ranking Democrats didn’t happen because of a tweet.
President Trump tweeted on Tuesday morning, “Meeting with ‘Chuck and Nancy’ today about keeping government open and working. Problem is they want illegal immigrants flooding into our Country unchecked, are weak on Crime and want to substantially RAISE Taxes. I don’t see a deal!”
How did House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer respond? They didn’t show up. All that’s missing from this utter lack of maturity and leadership is Regina George from “Mean Girls” standing on Capitol Hill with a burn book in tow.
Sadly, however, this is no joking matter. The same day Pelosi and Schumer skipped out on the meeting, North Korea test-launched a ballistic missile. It was the country’s first missile launch since September.
“We will take care of it,” Trump said in response to questions about the latest military challenge authorized by Kim Jong Un. Trump addressed the media by himself while between two place cards reserved for Pelosi and Schumer.
That was the image portrayed to the world precisely when the international community most certainly was looking toward the United States for reaction and guidance. Our commander-in-chief sat alone, stood up by two adults so stuck in their feelings they disregarded cold, hard facts: Americans need tax reform and some semblance of internal diplomacy if there’s any hope to have it abroad.
Instead, Pelosi criticized Trump on Twitter, writing, “Given that the President doesn’t see a deal between Democrats and the White House, we believe the best path forward is to continue negotiating with our Republican counterparts in Congress instead.”
Pelosi didn’t stop there. She published a series of tweets and pinned one to her account: “@realdonaldTrump now knows that his verbal abuse will no longer be tolerated. His empty chair photo opp showed he’s more interested in stunts than in addressing the needs of the American people. Poor Ryan and McConnell relegated to props, sad!”
Two days after referring to Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) as an “icon,” amid allegations Conyers used $27,000 of taxpayer money to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit, Pelosi condemns social media stunts—while performing one of her own. Perhaps, Pelosi, it’s time to step away from the keyboard and microphone and get to work for the American people you claim to want to help.
The most immediate form of help lies in tax reform. A reform bill already passed in the House, but Republicans have just two votes to spare in the Senate. Pelosi voted against it and Schumer will do the same. Fine. But there are example of how constructive progress can be made.
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) is a no so far on tax legislation, but had “very constructive and positive conversations” with President Trump and others in the administration, according to Fox News. See, Pelosi, Daines is willing to communicate even if he disagrees. For someone who has been so vocally against tax reform legislation, slamming GOP colleagues from her own state who supported the bill, you would think she’d come to the table prepared to talk.
In other parts of the world, namely North Korea, there’s little talk and a lot of action. The missile launched on Tuesday traveled roughly 520 miles and landed 200 miles west of Japan. Reportedly, it traveled higher than any previous North Korean missile launch. It poses a serious, immediate threat to U.S. allies.
To assist our allies in Asia, we need a united front in Washington. If Pelosi truly wants the best for the American people, she’ll understand the people elected Trump president. So, guess what? Start serving them. Show up and do your job.
