United States Senator Bill Hagerty appeared on Mornings With Maria on Fox Business on May 20 to discuss a range of topics including U.S.-China relations, budget reconciliation, Iran, proxy advisors, and the new Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh.
Hagerty’s appearance comes at a time when issues involving international trade and national security remain prominent in U.S. policy discussions. As a member of several Senate committees—Appropriations, Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Foreign Relations, and Rules and Administration—he plays an active role in shaping these debates, according to the official website.
Addressing President Donald Trump’s visit to China and Taiwan’s strategic value, Hagerty said: “The president clearly understands the strategic value of Taiwan… I think that President Trump has been very clear that Taiwan is a strategic asset that’s critical not only to our economy but to the world economy… Everybody is handling this very carefully; the negotiations are proceeding.” He also commented on trade deals with China: “[Trade deals] would do a great deal to adjust the trade imbalance that we’ve long had—and long endured—with China… I think what President Trump is doing is normalizing the trade relations with China where he can.”
On tensions with Iran, Hagerty said: “We’re at a point where the Iranians have to agree to something that is going to work for us or suffer the consequences. President Trump is making that very clear… They will not have nuclear weapons nor will they have that capacity. They have to stop the terror in the region and stop their hostile behavior.”
Discussing proxy advisors ISS and Glass Lewis, Hagerty said: “[ISS and Glass Lewis] are a duopoly of companies that advise passive investors… how to vote on shares of stock… We found these proxy advisors engaging in political activity … It’s absolutely unconscionable—it’s a racket and it’s a duopoly. [Proxy advisors] are misusing their monopoly status. It’s time for it to come to an end…”
Hagerty also addressed domestic issues such as funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through budget reconciliation processes. He said: “The important thing here is that we need to fund [Immigration and Customs Enforcement]. We need to fund the Department of Homeland Security… Republicans will not allow it; the president is not going to allow it. We will get this done in a matter of days.” On Federal Reserve policy under incoming Chairman Kevin Warsh he added: “I look forward to getting [Chairman of the Federal Reserve] Kevin [Warsh] in position. He certainly has capacity and maturity …and get the right answer for America.”
Hagerty was elected as U.S. Senator from Tennessee after growing up in Sumner County where he earned Eagle Scout rank; he maintains offices across Tennessee as well as Washington D.C., participates actively in community service initiatives through civic organizations according to his official website.
