Donald Trump just dismissed a major bipartisan bill with two words that stunned Washington. The president explained why he is holding up key legislation while pushing Congress toward his own controversial priorities.
Donald Trump comments on Housing Bill
Donald Trump called the bipartisan housing affordability bill “a big yawn” during remarks in the Oval Office on Monday, Reuters reported. The president cast doubt on signing the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. He pressed Congress to first pass the SAVE America Act instead.
“I think it’s so unimportant compared to the Save America Act,” Trump stated about the housing measure. He added that “just about everything is a big yawn” when compared to his voting legislation. The SAVE America Act would require proof of citizenship to register to vote. It would also create a national voter database using state registration records.
Trump last week abruptly canceled a signing ceremony for the housing bill. He used the cancellation to pressure Republicans into passing the voting requirements. However, he stopped short of threatening a veto on the housing legislation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Sunday he would transmit the bill to the White House on Monday. Trump then has 10 days, excluding Sundays, to sign or return the bill. Without his signature after that period, the bill becomes law automatically.
The housing bill aims to boost housing supply through faster environmental reviews. It also includes new grants and looser rules for prefabricated housing. Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index jumped to 4.2% in May. That figure marked its highest level since April 2023.
Trump has repeatedly called affordability “a hoax” in recent weeks. He also said, “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation” regarding decisions about the Iran war. Additionally, he remarked, “I love the inflation” when asked about rising consumer prices.
His comments highlight a growing tension within the Republican Party. Senate Republican Leader John Thune has declined Trump’s demands to scrap the 60-vote filibuster threshold.
