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Why Is President Trump Opposing A Tribal Casino In Massachusetts?

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A wooden sign advises motorists of the location of Mashpee Wampanoag tribal lands in Massachusetts. (Steven Senne/AP)
A wooden sign advises motorists of the location of Mashpee Wampanoag tribal lands in Massachusetts. (Steven Senne/AP)

The Mashpee Wampanoag's $1 billion casino project in Taunton has hit an unexpected roadblock.

All looked clear Wednesday for a House vote that would confirm the tribe's sovereignty over more than 300 acres of land — including the proposed gaming site.

Then President Trump tweeted. He urged Republicans who previously signaled support to vote no — decrying a "special interest casino bill backed by Elizabeth (Pocahontas) Warren."

Democrats promptly scrapped the vote.

Now, the bill's backers say the president was unduly influenced by a lobbyist representing Rhode Island casinos — a lobbyist whose wife works in the White House.

Guest

Rep. Bill Keating, congressman for Massachusetts' 9th district. He tweets @USRepKeating.

This article was originally published on May 09, 2019.

This segment aired on May 9, 2019.

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