President Trump has faced criticism on multiple fronts this week, from voters and Washington politicians alike, including backlash from Republican allies following the brief appearance of a video on a White House social media account that depicted former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), who has been a consistent supporter of Trump’s policies, characterized the animation as “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House.”
On Monday, President Trump held a signing ceremony for a measure to establish a strategic minerals reserve for the U.S. At another Oval Office event Tuesday, Trump signed a funding bill that restored ordinary federal government operations following a partial shutdown, although it left funding for DHS after a February 13 deadline in question. Thursday evening, Trump showcased the new TrumpRx platform aimed at lowering out-of-pocket prescription drug prices.
But in addition to the troubling video post that dominated headlines Friday, polls indicated that Trump’s handling of the economy may be making it harder for Republicans to hold onto the House and Senate in November.