Donald Trump urged House Republicans to vote against a bill that would end a legal challenge to the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe’s reservation in Massachusetts.
Critics of the legislation, which is sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), have dismissed it as a thinly veiled attempt to allow the tribe to build a casino.
“Republicans shouldn’t vote for H.R. 312, a special interest casino Bill, backed by Elizabeth (Pocahontas) Warren. It is unfair and doesn’t treat Native Americans equally!” Trump tweeted, deploying his oft-used derisive and offensive nickname against the senator, who is running for president in 2020.
Democratic leaders put the bill on a fast track for passage, allowing it to come to the floor on Wednesday under a suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds majority for it to clear the chamber.
Republicans shouldn’t vote for H.R. 312, a special interest casino Bill, backed by Elizabeth (Pocahontas) Warren. It is unfair and doesn’t treat Native Americans equally!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 8, 2019 [1]
The measure would terminate a years-long legal challenge to the tribe’s reservation by reaffirming the contested land belongs to it and barring future lawsuits challenging the claim.
A 2016 lawsuit brought by opponents of the tribe’s proposed casino resulted in the Department of Interior reversing plans to take 321 acres of land into custody on behalf of the tribe, according to The Cape Cod Times.
The proposed casino would be built by the Malasyian gaming conglomerate Genting.
Twitter has some thoughts:
Trump manages to use a slur about Native Americans while pretending to care about them — in a single tweet! https://t.co/NyAc5BIipD [2]
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 8, 2019 [3]
Spews racial slur at Elizabeth Warren AGAIN, then fakes concern for native Americans. In the SAME TWEET.
The president* of the US is such a disgusting creature. https://t.co/rP3c8GV03M [4]
— Charles Johnson (@Green_Footballs) May 8, 2019 [5]
In one hour, this guy has made yet another racist comment and doesn't want people to see an unredacted version of a report he claims is total bullshit anyway (if you're innocent, why worry? Cause you're not?), and that there's a DOUBLE WHAMMY, ladies and gentlemen! #Trump [6] https://t.co/pdlFpo7kzq [7]
— Shaurya Chawla (@_ShauryaChawla) May 8, 2019 [8]
Wow, insult Native Americans while pretending to care about them? You're a hoot, Losah! #BillionDollarLoser [9] https://t.co/a2obvK9IGs [10]
— OnBakerStreet (@OnBakerStreet) May 8, 2019 [11]