Playbook: “As you might’ve read here, the USMCA was the Trump administration’s top legislative priority, and to its credit, the White House steered it through a Congress beset by partisanship by partnering with House Democrats. And on Wednesday, the White House is hosting a big signing ceremony for the deal.”
“Of course, it is undeniable fact that Democrats played a big role in this deal — just ask the White House, which told reporters for months that the fate of the bill was in Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s hands. Her trade working group negotiated with USTR Robert Lighthizer — and earned plaudits from many in the administration for being honest brokers.”
“But now that it’s time to celebrate, Democrats are out in the cold. In a closed-door meeting Monday night, Pelosi briefly mentioned that President Trump would sign the trade deal this week, touting the provisions that Democrats helped get added. She mentioned the White House ceremony, and said, ‘not that Democrats were invited,’ according to multiple people in the room.”

