(However, if they crash the U.S. and/or world economy, just like with the capitol rioters, Trump will deny any and all responsibility.)

Donald Trump is egging on Republicans already intent on using the federal debt limit as leverage to extract concessions from Democrats, potentially pushing the country further toward the brink of default as the former president seeks to reassert his grip on the GOP.

The former president has been posting exhortations on social media for Republicans to “be tough” and not “give in” as the US approaches running out of cash later this year, asserting the party “can get back almost everything” Democrats won legislatively under President Joe Biden.

Republicans who control the House have been demanding deep spending cuts in exchange for raising the debt cap. Biden and congressional Democrats are insisting that the limit be raised without conditions.

The matter could come to a head this summer. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen informed congressional leaders on Thursday that the US had reached the debt limit and has begun taking special accounting maneuvers. Last week, she said the steps would likely tide the Treasury over at least until early June.

As he mounts his third White House run, Trump is again inserting himself into a high-profile political fight, despite drawing blame for midterm losses by his hand-picked candidates that led to disappointing overall results for the GOP. Critics say he’s encouraging a game of chicken that could be catastrophic for the US financial system and economy.

“For a former president to be part of an effort that is literally creating a crisis that doesn’t have to exist is not political leadership,” said Princeton University presidential historian Julian Zelizer, who has studied the Republican Party. “It’s the opposite.”

A Trump spokesman didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Waning Influence?

Some GOP strategists doubt Trump’s entreaties will spur Republicans to do anything they otherwise wouldn’t do, especially after a group of them rebuffed calls from the former president to support Kevin McCarthy’s bid for House speaker earlier this month.

“His influence is waning on the Hill,” said Doug Heye, a former aide to senior Republicans and a Trump critic. “He’s only important if we pay attention to him.”