Nashville Standard

United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Banking, and Appropriations Committees, joined "Mornings with Maria" on Fox Business to discuss several pressing issues. The topics included the second failed assassination attempt on President Trump, rhetoric from the Democratic Party, ongoing attacks by the Houthis on Israel, the U.S. budget deficit, and a potential government shutdown.

Hagerty expressed relief over President Trump's safety following the second assassination attempt. "I just thank God that President Trump is safe," he said. Recalling a previous conversation with Trump after an earlier attempt in Pennsylvania, Hagerty emphasized the need for calmer rhetoric in America. "Get down to policies. Get down to basics. Stop the personal attacks."

Addressing current rhetoric within the Democratic Party, Hagerty stated, "It is just unbelievable that they continue to jack this up." He recalled a conversation with Trump on election night in 2020 where Trump identified his main opponents as "the media and Big Tech."

Commenting on House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' tweet following the assassination attempt that called for stopping MAGA Republicans, Hagerty questioned leadership motives: "Is this nothing but just an all-out thirst for power?"

Regarding the Houthis' attacks on Israel and U.S. drones, Hagerty attributed these actions to Iran's influence and criticized Biden Administration policies: "The root cause is Iran... Under President Trump, we had maximum pressure on Iran." He stressed that Iranian technology and funding were behind these attacks.

Hagerty also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for false claims about American servicemembers in combat zones: "There have been claims that she doesn’t read her briefs."

On domestic issues such as the growing U.S. budget deficit and noncitizens voting in elections, Hagerty blamed Senate Democrats for inaction: “Chuck Schumer continues to just bring show bills and radical nominees in front of us.” He expressed concern over potential electoral manipulation through increased noncitizen populations.

Discussing a looming government shutdown, Hagerty called for action from his colleagues: “These Continuing Resolutions are as reckless as they can possibly be.” He urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring appropriations bills to the floor for responsible legislative action.