Trump Can’t Make Up His Mind on Hawley’s $15 Minimum Wage Plan—Here’s Why It Matters
Let’s be real—the fight over raising the minimum wage to $15 isn’t new. But here’s the twist: Donald Trump, of all people, is suddenly playing it coy. When asked about Senator Josh Hawley’s latest proposal, all he’d say was, “I’m looking at it.” Classic Trump, right? Leaves everyone guessing. And with prices shooting up while paychecks stay flat, this isn’t just political theater. It’s about real people trying to survive.
Trump’s Weird Dance on the $15 Wage Thing
Back in 2016, Trump was all about letting states decide wages. Then in 2020, he kinda-sorta backed a smaller hike. Now? Radio silence with a side of maybe. His latest quote says it all: “I want workers to earn more, but we have to be careful with businesses too.” Translation: He’s stuck between sounding like a working-class hero and not pissing off his big-money buddies. Honestly, I’m not sure even he knows where he stands.
Hawley’s Plan: A $15 Wage… But With a Catch
So here’s the deal—Hawley wants $15 by 2025, but he’s throwing small businesses a bone with tax breaks. Smart move? Maybe. But most Republicans hate the idea on principle. They’re screaming about “big government” while their corporate donors whisper in their ears. And Democrats? They’ve been pushing for $15 for years, but Hawley’s version might actually get some GOP votes. Maybe. The guy’s playing 4D chess here.
Why This Fight Isn’t Going Away
Look, I get why people are torn. On one hand, you’ve got workers barely scraping by while CEOs rake in millions. On the other? Small biz owners sweating over payroll. My cousin runs a diner in Ohio—he told me straight up: “If wages jump to $15 overnight, I’m replacing waitresses with iPads.” Harsh, but that’s the reality. And that’s the thing that makes this so messy—there’s no clean answer.
What Happens Next? Your Guess Is As Good As Mine
Let me put it this way: If Trump suddenly endorses Hawley’s plan, watch half the GOP trip over themselves to agree with him. But right now? It’s stuck in political purgatory. Some folks are talking about regional wages—higher in NYC, lower in Alabama. Makes sense, but good luck getting that passed. Meanwhile, workers keep struggling, businesses keep sweating, and politicians keep talking. Surprise, surprise.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Trump’s hesitation tells you everything. The GOP doesn’t know if it wants to be the party of Walmart workers or Wall Street. And until they figure that out, nothing’s changing. So keep an eye on this—because whether it’s $15 or $7.25, your paycheck’s on the line.
Source: NY Post – US News