As Donald Trump’s eventful tenure moves towards its twilight, the opponents in his own party have started to raise the rattles at the end of their tails. The US Senate which is populated by the Republicans decided to overrule the President’s veto on the 2021 Defence Policy Bill which is worth over $740 billion.
The bill aims to provide a 3% rise in salaries to the American troops and further increase American military’s defence capabilities by pumping money into the research of newer weapon systems, increasing the military readiness and overall increasing the military might.
President Trump had explicitly opposed the introduction of this bill and simply termed it “a bad security bill”. It has been noted that he wanted the inclusion of a clause that limits the media houses that had been quick on their heels in criticising him.
A few days back also, the Republicans had opposed President Trump’s decision to provide monetary assistance to citizens in line with the China-originated COVID-19 relief measures, the senate had called it unnecessary and burdening for the federal reserve. Trump had then described this overrule as pathetic and it was clearly against his efforts for public welfare and even his foreign policy.
In his letter, vetoing the Defence Policy Bill, President Trump had noted, “Numerous provisions of the Act directly contradict my Administration’s foreign policy, particularly my efforts to bring our troops home. I oppose endless wars, as does the American public. Over bipartisan objections, however, this Act purports to restrict the President’s ability to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, Germany, and South Korea. Not only is this bad policy, but it is unconstitutional.”
Trump’s efforts to reduce the deployment of American troops from the foreign soil also faced a backlash and opposition from his fellow Republicans. The cited reason was the fear of losing American presence in the regions.
His objections regarding the senate bill were outrightly rejected by the US Senate where the Republicans along with Democrats decided to override the President’s veto. After the election when it became clear that Trump stood no chance in returning to the high table, the Democrats wearing Republican skin have come out and started opposing what Trump has stood for in his entire tenure. Trump had also called them out for failing to support him during these recounting efforts.
The war-lobby is waiting to pounce on the first opportunity to enter the White House and wreak havoc in Afghanistan, Yemen and other disturbed parts of the world. The recent moves of the US Congress suggest that Trump’s bid for ‘America First’ and saving the loss of American soldiers are all going to be reversed soon.