Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) appeared on Fox Business’s "Mornings with Maria" to discuss recent developments involving Iran, legislative efforts in the Senate regarding the Big Beautiful Bill, and ongoing inquiries into President Joe Biden’s mental health and the use of an autopen for official documents.

Addressing foreign policy, Schmitt commented on former President Donald Trump’s approach toward Iran: “I think it’s an incredible week for President Trump. And we talked about this before Maria. It’s a new era of foreign policy, one that’s defined by American realism. President Trump identified a core national interest of the United States of America, had those B2s that came from Missouri, dropped those bunker busters on a target the size of a desk to wipe out and obliterate Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and then immediately pivots. And I think this is what’s kind of unique about President Trump, he immediately pivots to peace.

Now we have a cease fire. He’s also gone to NATO this week and got them to commit to 5% of their GDP for their own defense. This is remarkable. Back in 2017 and 2018, when he was having this conversation with NATO leaders, they were very dismissive. Now, all of a sudden, they’ve come around his way of thinking. And I think many of us who think it’s time for Europe to step up in a much more meaningful way for their defense, so we can pivot to our core national interest, the United States of America, the homeland. And then, of course, our chief rival, the communists in China.

So a huge week from a foreign policy perspective for President Trump. And then, of course, we’re debating the big beautiful bill here. But I think more than anything it’s a testament of how important that election was back in November. You’ve got a secure border now. Deportations are underway. You have respect on the world stage and a president that has clearly defined foreign policy not one that’s aimless like we had under Joe Biden.”

Schmitt also spoke about Missouri's role through Whiteman Air Force Base: “It’s pretty it’s pretty incredible. I’ve been there; those men and women serve our country admirably. And just think about that feat of being here for 30 hours...to get...to be up there for 30 hours and execute something that precise...President Trump made it very clear the very limited scope of our engagement...We did it...accomplish that particular goal and then immediately move towards peace..."

On legislative matters before Congress this week related to tax policy and spending priorities—referred to as the Big Beautiful Bill—Schmitt said: “We are prepared to be here this weekend and try to get this thing done....You mentioned SALT....we’re negotiating that; that's about $600 billion worth of subsidy there....Everybody is committed to delivering on behalf of the American people...no tax on tips no tax on overtime making sure we don’t have a $4 trillion tax increase....making sure we have money to secure the border...for deportations...for national defense...

All that stuff's in here....school choice provisions that we're fighting for as well....there's a lot in here for American people...working families..."

He continued: “The American people deserve stability....With these tax cuts that were implemented in 2017 as well....do small businesses..., mom-and-pop stores..., dry cleaners..., restaurants..., neighborhood you know dry cleaner....All those folks rely on those tax cuts...that they reinvested in their businesses..., hired more people..., bought inventory....We want to make those tax cuts permanent too.”

Discussing investigations into President Biden's capacity as commander-in-chief and questions over document signing practices using an autopen device—a tool used by some presidents or staffers for official signatures—Schmitt stated: “Well I can’t tell you how many times people in Missouri have asked me who is running the country who is actually in charge?...it’s kind of important thing in our constitutional republic like who is making decisions as President?...you have to have president like President Trump who's in full command ...did not happen ...almost probably full four years Joe Biden's reign....

The truth is you probably had series ...women study majors from Ivy League institutions who used write white papers about open borders are now suddenly in charge opening border.....this is bigger scandal than Watergate ..., need continue drill down ..., going subpoenaing ...getting documents from archivist see if there were actually authorizations autopen has big consequences.”