Trump accuses Republicans of ‘death wish’ as Senate threatens to defy him on key bills

President Trump and his party are battling it out in the final weeks of his term

Donald Trump warned Senate Republicans they have a “death wish” if they defy him by blocking a House-passed bill to provide up to $2,000 in direct payments to Americans coping with the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also again urged Republicans to get behind his calls to roll back legal protections for social media giants he claims are censoring conservatives. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday said the chamber is starting a “process” to vote on both issues – but he was vague on the timing of those votes.

“Unless Republicans have a death wish, and it is also the right thing to do, they must approve the $2000 payments ASAP. $600 IS NOT ENOUGH! Also, get rid of Section 230 - Don’t let Big Tech steal our Country, and don’t let the Democrats steal the Presidential Election. Get tough!’ the president tweeted after a round of golf at one of his Florida resorts.

Mr Trump’s tweet came after his party’s top senator, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s attempt to quickly send to Mr  Trump’s desk a House-passed bill providing an extra $1,400 payment to Americans struggling due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The New York Democrat wanted the chamber to approve a measure backed by his party and the GOP president to bring the total amount of a new round of stimulus checks to $2,000. He requested the Senate do so by unanimous consent, but he was shot down.

The fate of the House legislation lies with the objecting McConnell, who could tee it up for floor votes later this week.

He might decide to attach language on the checks to language that would repeal or dramatically overhaul the Section 230 protections.

Lacking 60 votes on either matter, both presidential demands likely would be voted down.

Mr Trump’s “death wish” threat appeared a reference to the 2020 congressional midterm elections. The president has suggested he, as a post-presidency kingmaker, find conservative candidates to run in primaries against any sitting GOP members who have defied him.

He remains wildly popular with conservative voters, making his threat real in a year control of the House and Senate will again be on the line.