The Conversation with Dasha Burns Sen. Eric Schmitt on being a White House whisperer and Senate budget reformer
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Jul 20, 2025 
Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt, a strategist within the Republican Party and a key player during the Trump administration, shares insights on his work with a $9.4 billion rescissions bill and his vision for Medicaid reform. He argues against labeling his foreign policy as isolationist, emphasizing a pragmatic approach. Joining him, POLITICO reporter Ben Jacobs discusses the growing impact of social media influencers in politics, illustrating how platforms like TikTok are reshaping electoral dynamics, especially among younger voters.
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Schmitt's Golf Bond with Trump
- Senator Eric Schmitt often plays golf with President Trump, which helps them have candid conversations outside formal settings.
- Schmitt and Vice President J.D. Vance are close friends from the Senate freshman class, bonding beyond politics.
Schmitt on "America First" Foreign Policy
- Schmitt sees Trump's "America First" foreign policy as realist, not isolationist, focusing on core national interests.
- He advocates demanding Europe contribute more to defense, freeing U.S. resources for Indo-Pacific strategy.
Navigating the Rescissions Bill
- Answer lawmakers' questions thoroughly to build trust around the Senate rescissions bill.
- Use rescissions to curb wasteful spending and embed fiscal discipline into legislative muscle memory.