Us President Donald Trump was in the mood to celebrate after cutting a big deal with opposition Democrats, reports the Associated Press.
Joshing with Northeastern officials in the Cabinet Room, Trump hailed New York Democrat Andrew Cuomo as "my governor" and traded banter with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, another fellow New Yorker.
"If you just dropped in from outer space, you wouldn't know what the last eight months have been like," said Rep Peter King, R-NY, recalling the friendly exchanges between Trump and Schumer during the meeting with New York and New Jersey lawmakers.
That would be the same Schumer whom the president had previously slammed as a "clown" and "Cryin' Chuck."
Trump's deal with Democrats to raise the US borrowing limit and keep the government running for three month months – all in the name of speeding relief to hurricane victims – quickly passed Congress and gave him the opportunity to savour a victory after months of legislative setbacks.
He's now talking about possible future deals with Democrats – doing away with votes on the raising the debt cap, and shielding from deportation young immigrants living in the United States illegally who were brought here as children.
"I think that's what the people of the United States want to see," Trump said. "They want to see some dialogue."
Frustration among GOP leaders
It's unclear how much of Trump's turnabout is a deliberate strategy to create space for his tax overhaul this fall or simply a deal-maker's gut decision, bargained during an Oval Office session that left his fellow Republicans befuddled.
Trump has been frustrated by GOP leaders and blames House Speaker Paul Ryan, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, for his inability to score big triumphs in Congress. He's appeared unconcerned about dismissing their opposition to the debt ceiling deal, focusing instead on the fact that the move has delivered him rare kudos with some television commentators.
Trump sprinkled salt on the wound Friday by reminding GOP leaders via Twitter about their failed efforts to overhaul former President Barack Obama's health law: "Republicans, sorry, but I've been hearing about Repeal & Replace for 7 years, didn't happen!"
In venting about Republican congressional leaders, Trump may just be channelling his supporters. Trump, who essentially hijacked the party two years ago, has positioned himself as the voice of voters who feel alienated from Washington and disdain both parties.
From the start of his presidency, Trump has repeatedly labelled Democrats as obstructionists, and few expect his budding alliance with Schumer and Pelosi to be long-lived. Trump is loathed by the Democratic base, many of whom talk more openly about impeachment than cooperation.
Trump announced the deal with Democrats while Bannon was sitting for an interview with CBS News, but the Breitbart executive chairman saved his most pointed remarks for McConnell and Ryan, accusing them of trying to "nullify" the results of the 2016 election.
