President Trump took to Twitter early Thursday morning to criticize the Freedom Caucus, lumping the group in with Democrats, and saying the “Republican agenda” will suffer if they don’t get on board.
The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 30, 2017
The Freedom Caucus is a congressional caucus consisting of conservative Republican members of the United States House of Representatives. The group helped kill the GOP health care plan last week.
The Freedom Caucus has a reputation as “anti-establishment agitators,” according to NPR. Trump’s tweet against fellow Republicans has caused quite a stir on social media.
Former congressman and conservative radio host Joe Walsh tweeted, “If you come at the Freedom Caucus, you better be prepared for a fight. You’ll risk losing your majority in 18, Don.”
Walsh also wrote, “This sounds more like a threat that he’ll work with Dems and GOP establishment. Repeal Obamacare. Bring Jobs. Lower Tax. Let’s go, Donny.”
Political columnist Ben Shapiro wrote, “Trump tweets he wants to fight the Freedom Caucus and Dems. That leaves him with 216 votes in House. He needs 218 to pass anything. Genius.”
Check out some of the reaction:
Trump declares war on the @freedomcaucus. What a stupid mistake.
The same anger & spirit that launched the Freedom Caucus got Trump elected
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) March 30, 2017
Remember: The House Freedom Caucus is made up of members the tea party sent to D.C. in 2010, when we saved the House.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) March 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/_Drew_McCoy_/status/847437167592734720
Dear @POTUS your base supports the #FreedomCaucus we support #repealobamacare and replace with free market solutions. remember who brought u
— Diana (@deeathomedee) March 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/frogindafog/status/847450133964836865
2. Does Trump not know entire Freedom Caucus brand is to say "no" to compromises and half loafs?
Was big story of 2011-2016
— Mark Murray (@mmurraypolitics) March 30, 2017
The movement that sparked the Freedom Caucus is the reason you're in office. Undermine their ideals, and you undermine America pic.twitter.com/jTcoqvZ3Mt
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) March 30, 2017
Minor point but if you fight the Freedom Caucus AND Democrats you can’t pass anything.
— Blake Hounshell (@blakehounshell) March 30, 2017
Trump tweets he wants to fight the Freedom Caucus and Dems. That leaves him with 216 votes in House. He needs 218 to pass anything. Genius.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) March 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/achmed2017/status/847449780934529030
That one hurt me Mr. President. I respect the Freedom Caucus. Together is better.
— Dwayne RDR (@oldschooleight) March 30, 2017
Dammit, do you see? Trump is tweeting AGAINST the freedom caucus. This is what you get. Fascists despise liberals, then, now and always.
— Jeffrey A Tucker (@jeffreyatucker) March 30, 2017
Trump vs the Freedom Caucus? Break out the popcorn!
— davechen (@davechen) March 30, 2017
Just some quick math: 193 Dems + 23 Freedom Caucus members = a majority to impeach in the house! https://t.co/0WQVuwFTyn
— Joe (@PucksandBucs) March 30, 2017
.@realDonaldTrump it's a swamp not a hot tub. We both came here to drain it. #SwampCare polls 17%. Sad! https://t.co/4kjygV2tdS
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 30, 2017
Good morning. here's a GOP Senator attacking the GOP Speaker and a GOP President attacking a GOP caucus. pic.twitter.com/aryVVLShGq
— pourmecoffee (@pourmecoffee) March 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/toddstarnes/status/847452147138519049