President Trump fiercely pushed back on Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer’s criticism of his trip to Asia, saying the New York Democrat’s comments are “almost treasonous.”
“Worked really hard, 24/7, took in Trillions of Dollars and Chuck Schumer said trip was a ‘total dud,’ even though he knows it was a spectacular success. Words like that are almost treasonous!!” Mr. Trump posted Thursday on Truth Social aboard Air Force One on his way back to Washington.
Mr. Schumer mocked the president’s overseas schedule during a fiery speech on the Senate floor Wednesday, accusing Mr. Trump of “gallivanting in Asia, dancing in Malaysia” as the government shutdown enters its 29th day.
“He’s preparing now to meet with President Xi of China to strike a trade deal that will sell out the American people — giving away vital national security tools in exchange for little more than a photo op,” Mr. Schumer said.
“President Trump is about to congratulate himself, patting himself hard on the back for cleaning up a mess he created,” Mr. Schumer continued, calling the trip “a total dud.”
Mr. Trump’s whirlwind tour across Asia included stops in Malaysia, Japan and South Korea, which are some of the countries hit hardest by his sweeping tariff agenda.
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During his time there, he struck a deal with South Korea to lower tariffs in exchange for $350 billion in investment in the U.S. He also met with the new Japanese prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, and had a high-stakes sit-down with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Mr. Trump said after the last meeting that he would cut tariffs on Chinese imports and Mr. Xi would resume buying American soybeans and delay restrictions on rare earth minerals for one year.
Speaking aboard Air Force One after the summit at Gimhae Air Base in Busan, South Korea, Mr. Trump hailed the meeting.
“I would say on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, I would say the meeting was a 12,” he told reporters.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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