President Donald Trump on Wednesday chided Sen. Dean Heller for his opposition to the Republican healthcare plan, saying: "Look, he wants to remain a senator, doesn't he?"
"This was the one we were worried about," Trump said, pointing to the first-term Nevada Republican, considered the most vulnerable in next year's congressional elections, before the start of a luncheon with other party senators.
Heller, who was seated next to the president, strongly opposed a version of the Senate's healthcare plan – ultimately leading Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to propose an outright repeal of Obamacare on Monday.
Heller, 57, has not stated his position on the latest plan, which is opposed by three other moderate Republicans.
"You weren't there," Trump said of Heller. "But you're going to be. You're going to be.
"Look, he wants to remain a senator, doesn't he?" the president said, bringing laughter from Heller and other Republicans. "OK.
"And I think the people of your state, which I know very well, I think they're going to appreciate what you – hopefully – will do."