Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley believes the federal minimum wage should be increased to $15 an hour. And would you believe it? He’s got a Democrat joining this endeavor.
It’s the Higher Wages for American Workers Act and would, if enacted, increase the federal minimum wage to twice its current level of $7.25. Sounds bold, doesn’t it? Well, it is, particularly coming from a GOP senator.
But here’s the kicker: When questioned about it by President Donald Trump… he wasn’t too enthusiastic about it.
Trump’s take? “I haven’t seen.”
Addressing the Oval Office, Trump was asked point-blank whether he likes Hawley’s proposal. His response? Typical Trump pause and evasion:
“I haven’t seen it. I’d have to talk with Josh. He’s a good friend of mine. That’s interesting that Josh did that. You have to think about that one.”
Not “yes,” nor “no,” but rather “Gee, that’s new to me.”.
Trump went ahead and recited the usual politicians’ buzzwords when they don’t wish to make a commitment. That individuals are divided on increasing the wage, that it might harm restaurants or small companies, and that it’s something to consider.
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How Hawley’s move turned heads
Let’s be real: minimum wage hikes are usually a Democratic party line. But Hawley is trying to turn that around.
He’s packaging this $15 minimum wage as part of a populist economic agenda—one that puts working people first. He said in an interview with NBC News:
“If we’re going to be a working people’s party, we have to do something for working people. And working people haven’t gotten a raise in years.”
For Hawley, this comes as no shock. It’s a trend. He’s been introducing bills sounding like Bernie Sanders, like joining Sanders last spring to try to cap credit card rates at 10%.
And he voted this week AGAINST crypto regulation—along with the progressives against much of his own party. So yeah, he’s zagging where most Republicans are zigging.
Trump and Hawley: BFFs?
While Trump flirted with the minimum wage bill, he went out of his way to assure that there is no personal feud between him and Hawley. He called him a “good guy” and “very good friend.” But palship does not necessarily mean policy support.
It’s also worth noting that Trump himself has dabbled in raising the minimum wage previously. During his 2020 campaign, he floated the idea that he might increase it (though only with a modest raise at the time). But $15? That might be perhaps just a bit too expensive for his brand of Republican politics—not to mention that some businessman-types (one of Trump’s strongest constituencies) might not necessarily look upon it as a good thing.
So. will Trump endorse it?
Trump appears to be holding out now. He’ll discuss it with Hawley first, perhaps gauge the reaction of the Republicans’ base, and then make up his mind. That’s Trump-style—feel the water before jumping in.
Bottom line: this has the potential to be a huge battle within the GOP. Hawley is pushing a more pro-worker agenda, and Trump is watching from the sidelines. But if this takes off with voters—especially working-class voters both men are competing for — don’t count out Trump climbing aboard just like that.
Stay tuned. This one’s just beginning.
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