Senator Blumenthal Critiques Trump’s ‘Flagrant Abuse’ of Norms

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal criticized former President Donald Trump for what he described as a “flagrant abuse” of established norms during Trump’s first year back in the White House. Speaking at an event hosted by The Connecticut Mirror in West Hartford on November 7, 2023, Blumenthal addressed various pressing issues, including the suspension of federal nutrition assistance and the handling of criminal indictments against officials who have opposed the president.

In a conversation with host John Dankosky, Blumenthal expressed his concerns regarding the current administration, stating, “We are living with an administration that is cruel and stupid in a lot of what it does.” His remarks came as he discussed the unprecedented hold on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during a recent government shutdown.

The senator’s commentary reflected long-standing themes he has explored in recent months, particularly regarding politically motivated actions and prosecutions. At a Senate hearing last month, Blumenthal questioned U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi about any discussions she may have had with Trump concerning the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. This inquiry attracted Trump’s ire, leading to threats of an investigation into Blumenthal’s past statements regarding the president’s military service.

On November 6, 2023, a judge dismissed criminal indictments against both Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that Trump’s appointment of an interim prosecutor was unlawful. Blumenthal pointed out the historical significance of maintaining the independence of the Justice Department from the White House, noting, “What we’re seeing is the most kind of flagrant abuse of that tradition and norm.”

In response to these developments, he has proposed legislation aimed at preventing political influence over prosecutorial decisions. This legislation seeks to restrict contact between the White House and the Justice Department regarding investigations. However, Blumenthal acknowledged the challenges of enacting such measures, stating, “I’m very clear there is not a chance that we’re going to have this legislation adopted.”

Blumenthal also voiced alarm over investigations targeting some members of Congress who posted a video encouraging U.S. service members to uphold the Constitution, even if it meant defying illegal orders. Trump labeled this behavior as “seditious,” prompting Blumenthal to respond, “I was just aghast.”

The Connecticut senator reflected on the rising political violence in the country, noting that threats have shifted from external extremists to those within the nation. He remarked, “There was a point where I received the intelligence briefings on threats to this country where they shifted from fears about extremists from outside the country to extremists within the country, and this is not limited to right or left.”

Blumenthal was initially scheduled to participate in the “In the Room” event earlier but was required to remain in Washington for Senate votes during the government shutdown, which lasted a record-breaking 43 days. Following a negotiated deal, the federal government reopened, but Blumenthal expressed disappointment that the agreement did not align with Democrats’ healthcare priorities, particularly regarding the extension of enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans.

Congress remains embroiled in discussions about the future of these tax credits, which were initiated under a Democratic pandemic relief bill in 2021 and extended through 2025. Blumenthal emphasized the popularity of these subsidies, stating, “They are wildly popular, and you know where most of the people who benefit from them live — in red states that Donald Trump won.”

As the December 31 deadline approaches for the expiration of the enhanced subsidies, Blumenthal noted that without congressional intervention, many individuals could face increased premiums in 2026. Reports indicated that Trump was considering a temporary extension of the subsidies, which would limit eligibility to those earning up to 700% of the federal poverty line.

Despite the anticipation of a Senate vote on extending the subsidies by mid-December, Blumenthal remains cautious about the outcome, stating, “I think there will be a vote, and, unfortunately, I think Republicans will be bludgeoned into voting against health care tax credits extensions.”

As political tensions continue to escalate, Blumenthal’s insights shed light on the challenges and complexities facing legislators amid a turbulent political landscape.