President Donald Trump is the personification of the phrase “zero f—ks.” At a White House meeting on Wednesday, Trump basically (on camera) told a senator who isn’t supporting the GOP’s healthcare bill that if he likes his job, he’ll get on board with the American Health Care Act.
The senator, Dean Heller (R-NV), was sitting directly to Trump’s right.
“This was the one we were worried about,” Trump said, referring to Heller. “You weren’t there. But you’re gonna be. You’re gonna be.
“Look, he wants to remain a senator, doesn’t he? And I think the people of your state, which I know very well, I think they’re gonna appreciate what you hopefully will do. Any senator who votes against starting debate is really telling America that you’re fine with Obamacare. But being fine with Obamacare isn’t enough for another reason. Because it’s gone. It’s failed. It’s not gonna be around.”
Gone? Just like Heller?
Would Trump really threaten someone’s job over healthcare?
For those who say Trump was joking, there are others who say “nay.” Heller’s reaction seems to indicate that he knows that it was a thinly veiled threat. Then, Trump puts his hand on Heller’s arm almost to say, “stop laughing.”
Heat is on healthcare opposition
Also, consider the recent news that Trump has personally spoken to three potential Republican primary opponents of Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, who is an outspoken critic of POTUS and is up for reelection next year.
After Heller, who is also up for reelection in 2018, said in June that Trump’s healthcare bill is “simply not the answer,” a pro-Trump super PAC, America First Policies, announced an ad campaign slamming Heller for his remarks.
The ads were pulled after 12 hours due to backlash.
More trouble for Dean Heller
Heller seems to be having a less-than-great week.
Officers who responded to a burglary alarm on Monday at the building housing Heller’s office found the note near the office door on Sunday morning, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement.
The content of the note was not released and police are investigating. The alarm was triggered by motion sensors and there was no forced entry to the building or Heller’s office, spokesman Officer Larry Hadfield told Reuters by phone.
Heller’s office declined to comment on the letter, citing an ongoing investigation.
Maybe Heller should worry. Moonlite Bunny Ranch owner and brothel baron Dennis Hof is said to be a contender for Nevada politics and he supports Trump’s healthcare plan over “handouts” to the hookers contracted to work for him.
Reuters contributed to this report.
