'Juice worth the squeeze?' Laughter erupts as CNN mocks 'headache' Trump gives the GOP

Laughter erupted on CNN Sunday morning as a joyful Manu Raju delved into the "fresh hill headache" President Donald Trump has created for Republicans on Capitol Hill.

The problem? Trump insisted on prime-time television that Congress pass the SAVE America Act, Raju reported with a smile.

"President Trump is makingdemands that Republicans simplycannot fulfill," the CNN host said. "Trump's obsession over the issue has effectively derailed the GOP agenda."

The SAVE America Act — a bill to crack down on a pattern of non-citizen voting experts say does not exist — has split leadership in the House and Senate, Raju argued.

He characterized Trump's demand as foolish as it exposed "sharp divides" in Republican leadership, including between Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

"Typically in anelection year, you put togetherbills that you can divide theother party and get yourvulnerable members to vote on sothey can go back and tout theseissues," said Raju.

Journalist Nia-Malika Henderson shouted back, "But that's a hoax!"

Laughter erupted. It wouldn't be the last time.

Raju argued Trump had made things "so difficult for Republicans" by refusing to accept that his plan "won't pass muster."

"Trump just will not accept nofor an answer, even though it'svery clear," said Raju. He then quoted Thune's questioning of Johnson's plans to support it; "Is the juice worth the squeeze?"

Once again, there were cackles of laughter.

"I know," replied Associated Press reporter Seung Min Kim. "Speaker MikeJohnson kind of goes for thatinstant gratification, he reallytries to appeal to Trump."

Raju then fact-checked Johnson's claim that most Republican voters joined Trump in wanting the SAVE America Act to be passed, citing a recent Gallup poll as proof.

"[It's] the economy, of course!" said Raju. "No surprise there."