Trump uncertain over whether to support senator's push to raise minimum wage
Share and Follow

President Donald Trump hinted uncertainty regarding his support for a new proposal by GOP Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley to increase the federal minimum wage to per hour.

“I haven’t seen it. I’d have to speak to Josh. He’s a very good friend of mine,” Trump said Wednesday from the Oval Office after a reporter asked whether he supported the move. “That’s interesting that Josh did that. You have to think about that one.”

Alongside Democrat Vermont Sen. Peter Welch, Hawley introduced the Higher Wages for American Workers Act last week.

If passed, the legislation would more than double the current federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15.00 per hour.

Currently, at least 31 states require businesses to pay most workers above the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour — including Hawley’s home state of Missouri.

“Some people agree with it. Some people don’t,” Trump added while speaking to reporters from the Resolute Desk. “You know, some people say it really turns away business, restaurants, clothes and a lot of things happen. Other people agree. I’d have to speak to Josh — he’s a good guy.”

Hawley has framed the raise to the minimum wage as “a populist position.”

“If we’re going to be a working people’s party, we have to do something for working people,” the senator told NBC News after the bill was introduced last week. “And working people haven’t gotten a raise in years. So they need a raise.”

Hawley’s somewhat surprising move to support an increase to the federal minimum wage follows other moves he has made in an effort to push an economic populist agenda. 

Hawley partnered with progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in February, to introduce legislation that seeks to cap credit card interest rates at 10%. 

On Tuesday, Hawley voted alongside progressives like Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Sanders and against the majority of Republicans when he declined to support legislation that imposes regulations on the cryptocurrency market, which critics fear will benefit institutional players at the cost of smaller investors.

Hawley’s office declined to comment for this story.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
University of Pennsylvania investigating vulgar emails sent from school account blasting 'woke' institution

University of Pennsylvania Probes Offensive Emails Criticizing ‘Woke’ Policies

The University of Pennsylvania is currently conducting an investigation following reports of…
Pritzker, US lawmakers condemn 'Broadview 6' indictment over ICE protest

Governor Pritzker and U.S. Lawmakers Denounce Indictment of ‘Broadview 6’ in Controversial ICE Protest Case

On Thursday, over 100 officials from Illinois came together to denounce the…
Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino reveals body transformation

Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino Unveils Stunning Body Transformation: See the Jaw-Dropping Results!

He skipped the cannoli this time. Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, famed for…
JSO: College Park shooting stems from argument during video games

Two Men Injured in Separate Domestic Shootings in Jacksonville, Authorities Report

Two men are on the mend after sustaining gunshot wounds in separate…
Rubio slams Hamas after video shows suspected operatives looting Gaza aid truck: ‘They’re the impediment'

Senator Rubio Condemns Hamas: Calls Out Looting of Gaza Aid Trucks as Major Obstacle

On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Hamas following the release…
We don't want 'horrible' Andrew, say Sandringham locals

Sandringham Residents Express Concerns Over Prince Andrew’s Presence

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is expected to lead a secluded life on King…
Trump calls Seth Meyers a 'lunatic' and labels his rhetoric 'illegal'

Trump Slams Seth Meyers as ‘Lunatic,’ Claims Comedian’s Rhetoric Crosses Legal Boundaries

On Saturday, former President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Seth…

Century City Family Grieves Loss of Grandmother in Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident

A memorial of white flowers now stands at the crossroads of Pico…