Midterms 'could be a bloodbath': Ex-GOP rep says Trump reversal is 'political bailout' for Dems

MSNBC commentator and former Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo said Friday President Donald Trump's decision to reverse most of the sweeping global tariffs he introduced last week was a "'political bailout" for Democrats, as it gave them an "opening" to improve their messaging on the economy.

Curbelo argued that the acknowledgment from Republicans that the president's policy was politically unsustainable will help Democrats.

"Well, now Trump has taken full ownership of the economy. And Democrats on this economic argument really have an opening here that Republicans have given them," he said during an appearance on MSNBC.

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He added that Republicans who opposed the tariff policy knew that "if this environment persists into next year, as [Sen.] Ted Cruz said, it could really be a bloodbath."

Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha, who was also present on the show, said Democrats normally struggle with messaging, but Trump's handling of the economy, particularly the tariff policy, has given them an opportunity to do better.

"I think it's an opportunity to get some of the Trump voters back by saying there are certain tariffs that we should have. Don't just go scorched Earth this way... because you should be talking about what you can do with tariffs that can work, but also be saying you should do it in a manner that protects Democrats and American workers," he added.

In response to a question about the budget, Curbelo said said he was "impressed with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) "and his ability to herd these cats."

"House Republicans, you know, discipline is not a word that would characterize them," Curbelo said, but added that they are exhibiting some party discipline.

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On Thursday, the House GOP passed the budget framework that would pave the way for the implementation of President Donald Trump's agenda and enable him to continue his 2017 tax cuts. It faced opposition from all Democrats and two Republicans who were concerned that it does not cut spending sufficiently.

According to Reuters, the House vote of 216-214 is an initial, yet essential, measure that will allow Republicans to circumvent Democratic resistance and advance tax cut legislation — known as Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill” — along party lines later this year.

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