

From 'The Conversation': Sen. Eric Schmitt on being a White House whisperer and Senate budget reformer
Jul 20, 2025
Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt, a key player in the Republican Party and former state attorney general, discusses his close relationship with the Trump administration and his role in driving a significant $9.4 billion Senate rescissions bill. He critiques isolationist views of his foreign policy and advocates for Medicaid reform. Ben Jacobs, a POLITICO reporter, reveals insights about the rising influence of social media personalities in politics and how they're reshaping elections. Together, they explore the evolving political landscape and personal ties in Washington.
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Schmitt's Bond with VP Vance
- Eric Schmitt built a close friendship with Vice President J.D. Vance during their shared freshman Senate experience.
- They regularly socialize beyond politics, including attending Cardinals games together.
Trump's Connection to Working Class
- Schmitt sees Trump as a unique populist who connects deeply with working-class voters feeling left behind.
- This connection fuels a new Republican focus on domestic priorities and foreign policy realism.
America First Isn't Isolationism
- The America First foreign policy is often mislabeled isolationist, but it prioritizes core national interests and diplomacy first.
- Schmitt emphasizes overwhelming force only when needed, reflecting a Jacksonian realism embraced by much of the GOP base.