ZeroHedge.com
Since we live in a world in which every Trump tweet is breaking news (just check the main story on Reuters or any other news website), it is worth noting that in his latest Twitter lashing, having already taken aim at GM earlier in the day, moments ago Donald Trump lashed out at Congress, and specifically House Republicans. The reason is that as we reported earlier, the House GOP, in a “secret” vote on January 2, voted to strip the Independent Ethics Watchdog of its Independence, limiting its power.
The vote has displeased Trump, who tweeted that “With all that Congress has to work on, do they really have to make the weakening of the Independent Ethics Watchdog, as unfair as it may be, their number one act and priority. Focus on tax reform, healthcare and so many other things of far greater importance!” He concluded with the hashtag for “Draing the Swamp”
With all that Congress has to work on, do they really have to make the weakening of the Independent Ethics Watchdog, as unfair as it
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2017
……..may be, their number one act and priority. Focus on tax reform, healthcare and so many other things of far greater importance! #DTS
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2017
Trump’s sentiment aligns with that of House Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, both of whom opposed the changes.
Trump aide Kellyanne Conway downplayed criticism of the Republican changes move during an interview with MSNBC Tuesday morning. While Conway said in the interview three hours before Trump’s tweet that she hadn’t talked to him about the issue, she argued that it was inaccurate to characterize the move as the end of oversight.
“The abuse of the process has led to some of those being investigated—either House members, or their staffers and witnesses—some have complained they’ve been denied or have had their due process rights compromised,” she said.
It is unclear if despite his displeasure at last night’s vote, Trump will somehow reverse it.
It is also notable that this direct criticism of the amendment from Republican House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, may hint at growing turbulence between Trump and rank and file Republicans in the House, whose goodwill he will need to pass his massive infrastructure proposals and fiscally stimulative policies.
As usual, the market has ignored all nuances, and continues to storm higher on the first trading day of 2017, with the Dow Jones now about 75 points away from 20,000.