GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Senator Ron Johnson is not taking a side in the ongoing feud between fellow GOP Senator Bob Corker and President Trump.
Corker has painted a picture of a White House in chaos.
Johnson tells WTAQ’s Jerry Bader Show that he’s had positive experiences with various cabinet members.
“You’ve got to give (President Trump) credit for appointing some extraordinary human beings into his administration, and he’s listening to them.”
While Johnson notes his good experiences working with the Trump Administration, he understands how others may feel differently.
“I referred to Donald Trump during the campaign as the political equivalent of a disruptive technology. That’s what we’re seeing right now. There is, I’m sure, a great deal of discomfort from a number of members in terms of ‘this isn’t the way things are normally done,’ but take a look at what has not worked in the past, whether it be North Korea or anything else.”
Bader pressed Johnson on whether he agrees on Corker’s assessment of a White House in chaos.
Johnson: “That’s his opinion of what he sees when he goes to the White House.”
Bader: “But you won’t categorically say that opinion is wrong?”
Johnson: “I don’t even know how to respond to that, Jerry.”
The senator hopes uneasy relationships with President Trump will not affect the way some legislators vote, when asked by Bader if disputes like the one between Trump and Corker are harmful to the administration’s agenda.
“I’m hoping that every member, regardless of what they may personally think of this president, will take a look at the underlying policy and what we need to do for our country.”
Corker has announced he is retiring when his current term expires next year, with Trump saying Corker is scared to run for reelection without a presidential endorsement.
Shifting gears, Johnson weighs in on the NFL’s National Anthem controversy.
Johnson says he stands by the Trump Administration on the matter and was glad to see Vice-President Pence walk out of Sunday’s Colts-49ers game when numerous players knelt while the Star Spangled Banner played.
“I certainly enjoy football. It would be nice to go to a game and put the political squabbles behind. The football field is no place to play out politics.”
Several players have said they are protesting racial inequality.
President Trump says it is disrespectful to the flag, country, and our soldiers.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told teams Tuesday that players should stand during the Anthem.
Meanwhile, Johnson is encouraged about possible changes to the nation’s healthcare system.
President Trump recently has hinted toward an executive order that could allow healthcare to be sold across state lines.
Johnson says that while that will help matters, he’s more excited about a provision tied to short term duration plans.
“What I’m hearing that what President Trump will do is restore the 364 days. What I would love to see is add a day or two, depending on whether it’s a leap year. Make those plans complient so that those individuals who are working hard but can’t afford Obamacare policies can buy these types of plans, give them the freedom so they don’t have to pay the penalty.”
Johnson notes President Obama reduced the short term duration plan length from 364 days to 90 days shortly before he left office.