Donald Trump looked a distinct shade of bright orange as he threw a colossal public wobbler, threatening to burst into tears if he didn't get his way. The 80-year-old US President launched into an explosive rant at a high-octane rally in Marietta, Georgia, taking aim at Senate politicians for stalling the controversial SAVE America Act.
Proposed law stalled in Senate
The proposed law, which demands voters prove their US citizenship when registering and show ID at the polling booth, has already cleared the House. But Democrats in the Senate have deployed filibuster tactics to freeze it in its tracks, leaving Republicans stranded without the 60-vote supermajority needed to push it through.
A visibly furious Trump turned his guns on fellow Republicans during the fiery address, demanding they scrap the filibuster rule entirely before their political rivals do it first.
Trump's demand
Trump said: "We're not going to be able to take it much longer when they can't get past voter ID, proof of citizenship, no mail-in ballots because they're crooked as hell. So right now, Congress is working to get as much of our plan as possible into the budget bill to identify and really terminate."
He added: "Look, what they should do? Very simple. A lot of you don't know about the filibuster. They should terminate the filibuster and approve everything. Because the Democrats are going to do it. The Democrats are going to terminate the filibuster as soon as they have a chance."
Crying threat
The Orange Manbaby then painted a bizarre picture of his future self, warning the crowd he might end up sobbing alone in his living room if the legislation collapses. He said: "If they are allowed to do that, by that time I'll be sitting home. And I'm not a big crier. I don't think you wanna see me cry, you know?"
Trump continued: "There are some people who do very well when they cry, but you don't wanna see me cry. But I may be crying when I'll be sitting at home, and I'll say, I told them they have to really terminate the filibuster."
Direct order to followers
After veering off on a trademark rambling side-rant about his political enemies, the former reality star eventually got back on track to issue a direct order to his loyal followers. He said: "They should terminate the filibuster. Everybody call John Thune at the Senate - he's the leader of the Republican Party - and tell them to get this stuff approved."
Trump added: "So we're fighting so that all voters must show voter ID. We're fighting so that all voters must provide proof of citizenship, OK? And also the no mail-in ballots. Very important."
Opposition
Senate Republican leader John Thune has previously shut down Trump's furious demands, pointing out that the numbers simply aren't there to force the changes through. Meanwhile, top Democrat Chuck Schumer gloated that Trump's high-stakes gamble is doomed to fail, telling The Hill the President is playing a dangerous game of political chicken.
