'I wasn’t on…': Trump reveals two ‘big factors’ behind Republicans' poor performance in US elections

Key Concepts

• Government Shutdown
• Democrat-created shutdown
• SNAP benefits
• Public servants
• Air traffic control system
• Economy
• Stock market
• Construction boom
• Economic boom
• Foreign investment (Toyota)
• Illegal immigration
• Filibuster
• Voter ID
• Mail-in voting
• Election security
• Corruption
• Carter Commission

Government Shutdown and Blame

The speaker asserts that the current government shutdown is "Democrat-created" and is now the longest in American history. He criticizes "Democrat radicals in the Senate" for showing "zero interest in reopening the government" and expresses doubt they will act soon, comparing them to "kamikaze pilots" willing to "take down the country if they have to." He notes that while pollsters suggest the shutdown was a "big factor" negatively impacting Republicans, and some believe his absence from the ballot was the "biggest factor," he is "honored" by these observations.

Impact of the Shutdown

The shutdown has significant consequences:

• SNAP Benefits: Millions of Americans are at risk of being without SNAP benefits. The speaker contrasts the current situation with his presidency, stating that SNAP benefits were around $7 billion then, whereas now they are "many times that," potentially reaching "47 billion." He argues that under Biden, these benefits were given to "anybody that wanted it," deviating from the original purpose of assisting "people that really had problems."
• Public Servants: "Countless public servants are now not being paid."
• Air Traffic Control: The "air traffic control system is under increasing strain."

The speaker emphasizes the urgency to reopen the government "immediately," stating, "We must get the government back open soon."

Economic Outlook and Foreign Investment

Despite the shutdown, the speaker highlights a strong economy, calling it the "hottest economy we've ever had."

• Stock Market: The stock market has hit "many record highs during the last nine months" and is expected to continue this trend.
• Economic Boom: A significant "construction boom" is underway, which is anticipated to lead to an even larger "economic boom" as new plants begin opening.
• Foreign Investment: As an example, the speaker recounts a conversation with "Mr. Toyota" in Japan, who stated he was "investing $10 billion dollars in the US" by building new plants. This investment was reportedly made after previously having "no interest in investing in this country." The speaker attributes this shift to the current administration's policies.

Immigration and National Security Concerns

A major concern raised is the issue of illegal immigration. The speaker states, "We can't be extorted to give $1.5 trillion to people that came into the country illegally." He claims many of these individuals are from "prisons," are "drug dealers," or come from "mental institutions." He argues that such influx is unsustainable for any country and that these individuals are "anti-productive." While acknowledging the importance of having "big hearts," he insists that "we can't let that happen."

The Filibuster and Legislative Priorities

The speaker advocates for Republicans to "terminate the filibuster," arguing it is "the only way you can do it" to pass legislation. He warns that without terminating it, "you'll be in bad shape" and "we won't pass any legislation" for the remaining "three and a quarter years." He notes that extensions for bills are usually easy to pass, but the current situation suggests a refusal to even grant extensions.

He outlines several legislative priorities that he believes should be passed immediately upon reopening the government:

• Voter ID: The speaker strongly supports "voter ID" laws, stating, "All we want is voter ID." He contrasts this with the requirement to show ID at grocery stores or gas stations. He claims that states like California have legislation making it "illegal to ask somebody for voter ID," leading to arrests for officials who do so. He believes this is because "they want to cheat." He asserts that voter ID legislation could be passed in "15 minutes" if the filibuster were removed.
• No Mail-in Voting: The speaker argues that "no mail-in voting" should be implemented, as "mail-in ballots make it automatically corrupt." He cites the "Carter Commission" from a long time ago, which recommended against mail-in ballots due to the potential for corruption as they "pass through too many hands." He recounts his own experience voting in Palm Beach, where he was asked for identification, highlighting the importance of verification.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The speaker concludes by emphasizing the need for a "really good talk" about these issues, particularly regarding the filibuster and election integrity. He believes that "half" of the people, or "a little bit less than half," feel this way and that it's "time to have a really good talk." He reiterates the importance of securing elections and preventing what he perceives as widespread cheating.