Defended Using Debt Ceiling as Political Weapon When It Benefits Republicans
What Byron said then
“Democrats control the Senate... Chuck Schumer's done nothing. Joe Biden has done nothing... House Republicans are the only adults in the room.”
May 2023
What he says now
“Defended Trump's 180-degree flip on using debt ceiling as negotiating leverage—claiming it's acceptable when Trump negotiates but absurd for Democrats.”
May 2023
Context
When Democrats controlled the Senate, Donalds blasted them for not solving the debt ceiling crisis. When Trump later used it as a negotiating wedge—reversing his own 2019 position—Donalds defended it. When pressed by Chuck Todd on the hypocrisy, he admitted 'he's always negotiating' was the justification, not principle.
The bottom line
Principles are applied selectively based on which party holds power, not on consistent belief in governing norms