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Trump's report card ranges from B+ to 'incomplete' among N.D., Minn. leaders

Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump's presidency, with approval ratings nationwide historically low for much of that time. And among North Dakota and Minnesota leaders, Trump's performance reviews are mixed.

Donald Trump announces his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination from the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, June 16, 2015. The timeline of activity that led to Special Counsel Robert Mueller's charges against three former Trump campaign advisers stretches back over two years. Doug Mills / copyright 2017 The New York Times
Donald Trump announces his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination from the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, June 16, 2015. The timeline of activity that led to Special Counsel Robert Mueller's charges against three former Trump campaign advisers stretches back over two years. Doug Mills / copyright 2017 The New York Times

Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump's presidency, with approval ratings nationwide historically low for much of that time. And among North Dakota and Minnesota leaders, Trump's performance reviews are mixed.

Pressed to grade Trump's first year in office, members of both states' delegations to Washington gave a range of answers, from "2017 left a lot on the table" to "(Trump) is on the right agenda."

Here's a look at how those leaders rated Trump's inaugural year-during which Trump chafed at a special prosecutor's investigation, was criticized for reportedly profane remarks about foreign countries and signed a significant tax overhaul bill. The president's report card ranges from a B+ to an incomplete to multiple instances in which no grade was provided.

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.

Grade: Incomplete

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"It's encouraging he has expressed the need for investments in infrastructure, which is important for our state, and he nominated members to the Export-Import Bank Board ... so the bank can fully operate and support American workers and businesses," Heitkamp said in a statement provided by her office. "But I'd like to see him focus more on the needs of rural America. ... Unfortunately, he has advocated for trade policies, like threatening to pull out of NAFTA, that would hurt farmers and ranchers, pushed for a bill that would take health care away from families and children with disabilities, and has proposed large cuts to the federal agency that helps combat opioid abuse. I hope he switches gear on these issues, and I'll press him on them."

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.

Grade: none provided

"Rather than simply giving the president a letter grade, I would instead tell you that he is on the right agenda," Hoeven said in a statement provided by his office. "That includes regulatory relief, tax relief, judicial appointments who will uphold the law and strong support for the military and veterans."

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.

Grade: none provided

"2017 left a lot on the table," Klobuchar said in a statement provided by her office. "There's more work to be done when it comes to bringing down the costs of health care and prescription drugs, fighting the opioid crisis, and investing in our nation's infrastructure-and I hope that we can work together on these important issues in the coming year."

Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn

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Grade: none provided

"It's up to Minnesotans to decide for themselves how to grade Donald Trump-that's not my job," Sen. Smith said in a statement provided by her office. "My job as senator is to fight back when I see this administration coming after Minnesota families, and it's also to work wherever I can to find areas of agreement so we can get things done. I have a long track record of bringing people together and reaching across party lines, and so I'm hoping to find common ground with the president on areas like infrastructure, rural broadband and the opioid crisis."

Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.

Grade: B+

"Given the first year, in one year, to have accomplished the milestones that he's accomplished is incredible, especially in the economic realm," Cramer said, noting a rising stock market and the passage of a tax overhaul bill. Cramer added that he's disappointed that more couldn't be done to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, a failure he said the House, Senate and White House all share.

Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn.

Grade: N/A

Peterson's office did not respond to a request for comment.

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Correction, Jan. 20: An earlier version of this article misstated Hoeven's partisan affiliation.

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