Last month, Senate Republicans advanced President Donald Trump’s plan to claw back billions in federal spending — marking the first successful effort of its kind in nearly 30 years. Leading that charge was freshman Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.).
The proposal to slash funding for NPR, PBS, and foreign aid originated in the White House but was executed in large part thanks to Schmitt. Elected to the Senate in 2022, Schmitt quickly became an “envoy” for Trump’s America First agenda in Congress.
A Close Relationship With Donald Trump
Schmitt’s relationship with Trump began during his first campaign and evolved into a personal friendship, including regular invitations to join the former president for golf.
Beyond the personal connection, Schmitt has actively supported Trump’s priorities — launching probes into Joe Biden’s alleged mental decline, smoothing over concerns during the passage of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” and claiming to “intuitively” understand the America First message.
From Missouri Attorney General to Influential Lawmaker
Before joining the Senate, Schmitt served as Missouri’s attorney general, where he frequently clashed with the Biden administration over lockdowns, vaccine mandates, censorship, and mass migration. He says these battles shaped his legislative approach.
Trump endorsed Schmitt in 2022, and just a year later, Schmitt became one of the first senators to back Trump’s reelection bid. He became a regular on the campaign trail, traveling aboard “Trump Force One” — where Big Macs, double cheeseburgers, and quarter pounders with cheese were staples.
Staying in the Senate to Push the $9 Billion Recissions Package
After Trump’s victory, Schmitt had the opportunity to leave the Senate and serve as attorney general in the new administration. Instead, he chose to stay — a decision that proved crucial for passing the $9 billion recissions package.
Schmitt bridged the gap between the White House and Senate Republicans, addressing concerns from appropriators about clawing back previously approved spending. He negotiated with Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, allowed unlimited amendments to the bill, and introduced his own change to preserve funding for global AIDS and HIV prevention — a move that helped secure additional GOP support.
Recognition From Fellow Senators
Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), a fellow member of the 2022 freshman class, praised Schmitt’s leadership: “When Eric speaks, people listen. He is thoughtful about when he uses his voice, and when he does, it definitely makes an impact.”
Schmitt downplays his role, saying he simply aims to be helpful and is fortunate to be in his position. He notes there is “very little daylight” between his priorities and the president’s agenda.
Looking Ahead to Future Spending Cuts
Schmitt hopes for more recissions packages in the future, calling the first one “a good exercise” for Republicans. He argues that passing it created “muscle memory” and a cultural shift in how the Senate GOP approaches spending.
However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has demanded a bipartisan appropriations process and rejected further recissions packages. Schmitt remains undeterred: “Democrats are an obstructionist party without a message and without a messenger. We should not alter our course of action based on their threats.”
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