Trump Scolds McCain; Urges Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski to Help Replace Obamacare

Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski collage
AP/Getty
Charlie Spiering

President Donald Trump reacted to Sen. John McCain’s decision to vote against the latest Senate Republican attempt to replace Obamacare.

“He campaigned on Repeal & Replace. Let Arizona down!” Trump wrote on Twitter, referring to McCain.

McCain announced his decision Friday, complaining that the bill had not been scored or drafted under regular order with bi-partisan input.

But Trump did not believe McCain’s reasoning for refusing to support the bill.

“John McCain never had any intention of voting for this Bill, which his Governor loves,” he wrote, referring to Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey’s endorsement of the bill:

Trump mocked McCain for siding with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, pointing to 116 percent increase in Obamacare premiums in Arizona.

“Chuck Schumer sold John McCain a bill of goods,” he wrote. “Sad”:

Trump also referred to the friendship between McCain and Sen. Lindsey Graham, who helped draft the Obamacare replacement legislation.

“Large Block Grants to States is a good thing to do. Better control & management,” he wrote. “Great for Arizona. McCain let his best friend L.G. down!”:

Despite Trump’s fury over McCain’s decision, he signaled hope for the future of the legislation, urging Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski to support the bill.

“I know Rand Paul and I think he may find a way to get there for the good of the Party!” Trump wrote:

Murkowski, Trump suggested, might support the bill because of the premium spikes in Alaska.

“Alaska had a 200% plus increase in premiums under ObamaCare, worst in the country. Deductibles high, people angry!” he wrote. “Lisa M comes through”:

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