As America's bank account swirls the drain, on the verge of the first-ever debt default situation, President Joe Biden is spending the weekend in Camp David.
The fact that he's leaving Washington D.C. at a critical time when the nation is closer to complete economic chaos drew expected criticism from the right, but also from his own party, as reported by Politico.
The news upset some unnamed Democrats who believe the president should be present and show leadership at a time when America needs it most.
While a "deal in principle" was reached last week on the debt ceiling crisis, it has yet to be signed into law. The U.S. Treasury is expected to be depleted by June 5.
One unnamed House Democrat was shocked when they heard that Biden was leaving for the weekend, expressing disbelief.
"Please tell me that’s not true,” the anonymous lawmaker said. "You’re going to see a caucus that’s so pissed if he’s stupid enough to do that."
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was visibly aggravated by a barrage of questions last week as to why the president felt it necessary to leave the White House at such a critical time.
FBN's @EdwardLawrence: Biden "is going to Camp David...and then...to Delaware. If the situation is so dire, then why is [he] leaving town?"
KJP: "Well, I already answered that...You have another one?"
Another reporter interjects to DEFEND Biden: "He came back from Japan!" pic.twitter.com/GtG0oiLsmd
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) May 24, 2023
"It’s time to bring the president off the bench, or bring somebody off the bench," an anonymous elected Democrat told the outlet. "No one’s responding to anything. Kevin’s consistently on message. We have the Oval Office. I’ve never seen anything like it."
While the president managed to strike a deal with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) before departing for Camp David, it wasn't well-received by some Democrats and Republicans.
"I listened to Speaker McCarthy earlier tonight outline the deal with President Biden and I am appalled by the debt ceiling surrender. The bottom line is that the U.S. will have $35 trillion of debt in January, 2025. That is completely unacceptable," Rep. Ken Buck tweeted.
I listened to Speaker McCarthy earlier tonight outline the deal with President Biden and I am appalled by the debt ceiling surrender.
The bottom line is that the U.S. will have $35 trillion of debt in January, 2025.
That is completely unacceptable.
— Rep. Ken Buck (@RepKenBuck) May 28, 2023
A number of conservatives, including lawmakers, echoed criticisms that McCarthy "caved" in making the good faith deal. Some Democrats said the same about Biden's involvement.
That poses another growing problem for the two leaders, in that it is looking increasingly difficult for them to convince Congress to pass the bill before the deadline, at least in its current form.