Trump consults Rep Jeff Van Drew as affordability tour prepares to launch
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump is taking his message of economic recovery on the road this week, starting with the key battleground state of Pennsylvania.
Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) joined 'Fox & Friends Weekend' on Sunday, December 7, to discuss a recent strategy call he had with the president regarding the upcoming "affordability tour."
Van Drew, who famously switched parties, described the conversation as "great" and emphasized the importance of the president bypassing the political machinery of the capital.
Optimistic Jeff Van Drew predicts economic turnaround by 2026
"Washington, DC, is not the culture of America. Washington, DC, is an incubator for political dysfunction and disease. I don't know how else to say it," Van Drew told the hosts.
He argued that while passing bills is necessary, the real work happens when leaders "get out in the street and talk to real people, the doctors, the pipe fitters, the iron workers, the teachers... that's what he does so well."
Van Drew also addressed the "impatient" mood of the electorate, and acknowledged that fixing the economy takes time.
He blamed the current struggles on the "Biden disaster," stating that the damage "doesn't get fixed in a day."
However, the congressman offered an optimistic timeline for 2026, citing the specific provisions of the administration's recent legislative wins.
"This has been about nine months when all the work that we've done kicks in next year. It's going to be amazing," Van Drew predicted.
He rattled off the incoming benefits, "No taxes on tips or lower taxes on tips, lower taxes on overtime. Eighty-five percent of seniors not paying any tax on Social Security. When you go and buy a new American car, you're able to write off on your taxes."
Jeff Van Drew warns GOP on abrupt repeal of Obamacare
While championing the economic agenda, Van Drew also issued a strategic warning regarding healthcare reform.
He cautioned Republicans against abruptly dismantling the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without a viable replacement ready to go.
"We have to give people that bridge. Obamacare is horrible... But if we're not able to immediately get rid of it for a very short period of time, continue with it while we come up with a much better comprehensive plan," Van Drew argued.
"People cannot afford to have huge increases in their health care. That will be a mistake," he added.
The conversation also touched on the recent government shutdown, with the host suggesting that the "silver lining" of the stoppage was exposing that the ACA is "completely held up by all these subsidies."
Jeff Van Drew confident Trump can repeat first‑term success
Van Drew expressed confidence that Trump can recreate the economic success of his first term, despite the current headwinds.
"We were on a path to destruction four years ago with President Biden in charge. This is just so much better," Van Drew said.
He noted that nearly seven years after switching parties, his friendship with the president has remained strong.
"He loves working people," Van Drew concluded. "We can win. We shouldn't give up. We have to come together and really, again, make America great again."
