Trump Urges Lawmakers to Eliminate Debt Ceiling

As lawmakers negotiated the continuing resolution (CR), Donald Trump made a demand.

Trump wanted to see the debt ceiling extended for two years as part of the deal, later recommending they eliminate it altogether.

Remove the Debt Ceiling

The debt ceiling is in place, ideally, to limit government spending. Keep in mind that Donald Trump ran on not only reducing spending but also on starting to chip away at the national debt, which has surpassed $36 trillion.

When Democrats have tried to eliminate this in the past, the GOP went nuclear, saying that spending would be out of control with the country able to borrow unlimited funds.

Now, however, Donald Trump is suggesting that the limit be permanently removed, stating, “The Democrats have said they want to get rid of it. If they want to get rid of it, I would lead the charge.”

So, the question then becomes that if you are running on cutting costs and chipping away at the national debt, why do you need to remove the debt ceiling?

Trump’s History

When Barack Obama was in office, Trump literally called the debt ceiling “sacred.” In January 2013, Trump had tweeted, “I cannot believe the Republicans are extending the debt ceiling – I am a Republican & I am embarrassed.”

The debt ceiling has always been used as a negotiating tool to get the other side to cave to demands from the controlling party, but it has always wound up getting extended.

Trump once tweeted, "America has lost its AAA rating and gained over $6T in debt under @BarackObama and now he wants to raise the debt ceiling – SCARY!”

Trump had also posted, “Disappointed in GOP and Dems – Giving Obama power to raise the debt limit next year is a mistake.”

Moving Forward

This week, Trump’s incoming Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called eliminating the debt ceiling a “fantastic idea.” She added, "The continuing resolution that passed happened because of President Trump. It includes critical aid for our farmers, critical aid and disaster relief for our fellow Americans who were impacted by Hurricane Helene, but as soon as Republicans return to the Hill in January, they have to deal with the debt ceiling.

“This is the last tool in Senator Schumer and the Democrats' toolbox to try to obstruct President Trump's ‘America First’ agenda."

I think this is a terrible idea, especially when you ran on eliminating overspending and cutting into the national debt. As I posted on X, I can understand extending it for up to a year to get the ball rolling, but you eventually have to deliver on reducing spending and debt.

I can tell you this, the perception is that Trump wants to spend big time, and if he does that, and he winds up increasing the national debt before the 2026 election, the GOP will get housed. They will also lose the White House in 2028. This is very short-sighted on Trump and the current members of the GOP who are supporting this. They will be handing the Dems the White House and Congress on a silver platter come 2028.