President Trump poked fun at House Majority Whip Steve Scalise on Wednesday, attributing his recent weight loss to his recovery from a gunshot wound earlier this year.
“Steve Scalise. He’s braver than all of us. He’s braver,” the president said, surrounded by Republican lawmakers at a White House event to celebrate passage of the GOP tax bill.
Trump on Steve Scalise being shot: “It's a hell of a way to lose weight, Steve” pic.twitter.com/gs5reREpv8— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 20, 2017
Scalise spent weeks in critical condition after taking a bullet in the hip when a crazed man opened fire on GOP lawmakers during their practice for the annual congressional baseball game this summer.
“Where is [Scalise]?” Trump said Wednesday. “He had a rougher year than most of us. But it’s a hell of a way to lose weight, Steve. Not a good way.”
Trump continued, “We love you, Steve. Great job.”
The Louisiana Republican made an emotional return to Capitol Hill in late September, drawing a standing ovation from his bipartisan colleagues at the time.
Scalise was instrumental in whipping votes for the sweeping GOP tax bill in the House ahead of crucial vote on Tuesday afternoon.
