A recent New York Times story implied there was a battle for the soul of the Republican Party — who is the kingmaker? House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy or former President Donald Trump?

McCarthy, in Fresno Monday night for a county party fundraiser, says there is no rift. He welcomes all those who want to join the Republican Party.

“(Trump and I are) very good. He called me today,” McCarthy said.

The Bakersfield Republican who could be the next Speaker of the House also talked about international affairs. He does not want Taiwan to become the next Ukraine.

“We should learn this lesson because Taiwan has already paid for but not received a lot of military equipment from America. We should be able to supply Taiwan so they could defend themselves so China will not invade. Deterring war from happening is a better position to be. Peace through strength is something Reagan has talked about,” McCarthy said.

Other McCarthy talking points included producing more domestic energy. He said American natural gas is 41% cleaner than the Russian variety.

McCarthy will lead a GOP congressional delegation to the U.S.-Mexico border through Eagle Pass, Texas, on Monday.

Watch: House Minority Leader Talks Nation’s Top Issues

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Also in Politics 101

— Fresno councilman unveils plans to plant thousands of trees.

— Some say a Fresno banner may not mean what some think it means.

Maxwell Plan: 1,000 Trees a Year

Remember those public service announcements from John Denver, pining to “plant a tree”?

Fresno City Councilman Tyler Maxwell says he’s a fan of the late country star, and he’s taking that message to heart. At Thursday’s city council meeting, Maxwell will introduce a plan to plant 1,000 trees every year through 2035.

“Neighborhoods with more tree density are going to have cleaner air. They’re going to be cooler, temperature-wise. They’re going to promote more outdoor physical activity. They’re going to require homes and businesses to consume less energy, meaning you’re going to have a lower energy bill,” Maxwell said.

The plan would provide $50,000 in funding for the city youth jobs corps to help plant and maintain trees on public property. Fresno residents could receive a $200 rebate for tree planting on their private property.

Maxwell said that the new trees would be selected to minimize roots damaging sidewalks and minimal debris such as leaf droppings.

Dyer Gets Rapped for Boast About Fresno Housing Market

Earlier this month, Mayor Jerry Dyer introduced banners on major thoroughfares with positive messages about the city of Fresno. On Twitter, some point out that touting Fresno as “the hottest real estate market in the U.S.” may not mean what the mayor thinks it means.

Lourin Hubbard, a Democratic candidate for Congress, wrote: “Considering the median price of a 1bdrm apartment is $1400 & 2 bdrm apartments are an average of $1,700 a month, 27% increase over a year ago. This isn’t the “flex” our mayor thinks it is.”

Even the author of the 2021 story, Liam Dillon of the Los Angeles Times, questioned Fresno patting itself on the back.

“Incredible. I wrote the story that’s being referenced by the nonprofit run by Fresno’s mayor. Much of the piece is about how longtime residents are being priced out by huge surges in rents,” Dillon wrote.

Incredible. I wrote the story that’s being referenced by the nonprofit run by Fresno’s mayor. Much of the piece is about how longtime residents are being priced out by huge surges in rents. https://t.co/jgYKAFvG0w

— Liam Dillon (@dillonliam) April 20, 2022