All posts tagged "republicans"

Republicans flummoxed by Trump 'throwing a grenade' into latest nomination fight

President Donald Trump's order to halt the nomination process for director of national intelligence sent Republican lawmakers scrambling on Wednesday, according to CNN.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) announced just an hour before Jay Clayton, Trump's pick for the job, was set to testify before the Senate confirmation hearing that it was being postponed after the president told Clayton not to show up, CNN anchor Brianna Keilar reported.

"The president is accusing lawmakers of moving too fast to confirm Clayton, and he's vowing to hold up a critical spying measure, FISA reauthorization, unless a separate voter ID measure, separate and unrelated, by the way, is attached to it," Keilar explained.

CNN congressional correspondent Lauren Fox described the whiplash among the GOP leaders.

"A lot of frustration from some Senate Republicans up here on Capitol Hill, in part because they really believe that they were on a fast track to approving Jay Clayton to be the next DNI at a moment where many Republicans, as well as Democrats, were worried about Bill Pulte, who Trump had selected to be his acting DNI, stepping into that role," Fox said.

"So right now, Republicans are a little bit flummoxed because they believe that they had been working in good faith with Democrats," Fox said.

"They had been getting signals that Democrats were willing to try to move this nomination as expeditiously as possible," Fox said. "And then you just had Donald Trump, as one member put it, throwing a grenade into this entire process by saying on Truth Social in the wee hours of the morning, while many senators were sleeping, that he did not believe that Jay Clayton's nomination should go forward today before the Senate Intelligence Committee a couple hours later, you had Senator Tom Cotton, who is the top Republican on that committee, making clear that he wanted to continue having this hearing unless he got word that Donald Trump didn't want Clayton coming before the committee later today. Well, clearly he got that word because a couple hours later, Cotton made clear that he was disappointed, but that they were going to be postponing this confirmation hearing."

Trump was pushing the demands forward for a key reason, Fox explained.

"Those two things are unrelated, and I would just point out that there isn't support, even among Republicans in the Senate, for that voter ID law on its own," Fox added. "It would need 60 votes in the Senate. It doesn't even have enough Republican support to get a majority of the vote. So a lot of Republicans are just shaking their head right now, feeling like they were on a fast track to getting Jay Clayton to serve as DNI, someone who's popular, someone who a lot of Republicans have worked with in the past. Now they are basically starting back at zero."

GOP lawmaker's Iran math on Fox News draws mockery: 'Not how anything works'

A Republican lawmaker's comments about the Iran agreement during an interview with Fox News on Monday drew laughs online.

Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), an Army veteran and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, defended the Trump administration's reported move to give Iran billions of dollars, saying it was good and that the taxpayer-funded expense made sense because "we destroyed so much."

"OK, maybe they do end up getting $20 billion, let's say—we're still $300 to $500 billion ahead considering we destroyed their Navy, destroyed their Air Force, destroyed all those nuclear facilities I already spoke about, their steel manufacturing, their drone manufacturing," Mast said.

Journalists and political commentators questioned the GOP congressman's math.

"Math degree from Trump University," S.V. Dáte, White House correspondent at HuffPost, wrote on X.

"This is not how anything works," Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic, wrote on X.

"This time we'll send barges full of cash. That will show them! Mast leaves out that when Obama sent cash, it was the Iranians' money that had sat in interest-bearing accounts for decades. This time it will be U.S. Taxpayers who foot the bill," Decoding Fox News, a newsletter and podcast founded by Juliet Jeske, wrote on X.

"Would Brian Mast call this...., 'palettes [SIC] of cash,' or 'plane loads of cash?'" Comedian and artist Patric Reynolds wrote on Bluesky.

Math degree from Trump University. https://t.co/mi2hGX1bn4
— S.V. Dáte (@svdate) June 15, 2026

Senate GOP fed up it can't kill Trump's zombie bill: 'It's like Night of the Living Dead'

Republican senators have been frustrated they can't escape the SAVE America Act — even after multiple attempts to kill the legislation.

For months, the conservative voting bill has pitted GOP lawmakers in a battle over the legislation that would require voters to show photo ID in order to vote, and would change mail-in voting and require proof of citizenship to register to vote, according to a NOTUS report on Monday. The bill doesn't have the votes in the Senate to pass it.

"This has left members miffed — they want to finally turn the page, but are again faced with a zombie," NOTUS reported.

"It just keeps coming back," an unnamed Senate Republican told NOTUS. "It’s like the 'Night of the Living Dead.'"

President Donald Trump has pushed Republicans to back the bill and made it a focal point throughout 2026. Right-wing influencers have also pressured conservative lawmakers in an ongoing campaign, NOTUS reported.

"Not only have they called for the bill to pass, but they have used it as part of a blitz to push Senate Republicans to nix the chamber’s 60-vote threshold and institute a 'talking' filibuster," according to NOTUS.

That move tanked and a number of Republican senators said they would not try to weaken the filibuster.

"There is a frustration," the Senate Republican told the outlet. "It’s not just the president. We have other members who keep pushing this when they know … we don’t have the votes. I don’t know how you can be more clear than that."

"I don’t know why they keep pushing something that’s basically not possible," the lawmaker said.

"It doesn’t get us votes. Literally, we lose votes with it," another unnamed Senate Republican told NOTUS.

Republicans now believe Trump 'is going to croak' — and are vying to replace him: insider

Republicans have made a dramatic U-turn on the 2028 presidential election, with dozens of contenders now expected to enter the race to succeed Donald Trump as president, an insider told Raw Story.

And while no candidates have officially announced their campaigns yet, Rick Wilson, former Republican operative and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, told Raw Story in an exclusive interview that he was tipped off about the development by strategists.

“The number of Republicans who are planning to run in 2028 is growing by the minute,” Wilson told Raw Story.

“I would say a year ago, there was the presumption that Trump was trying to run again,” Wilson said.

But now it’s different.

“They think Trump is going to croak,” he said.

Wilson anticipated that nearly 20 people are planning on vying for the nation’s top job.

“It will be people from Congress, from the Senate, governors, they’re all going to get in because they’re going to see the end of the Trump era. They’re going to claim the throne of MAGA,” Wilson said.

“Ambition is a hell of a drug,” he added.

Wilson shared insights about who some of the potential candidates could be, and how many have played a long waiting game and think it’s about time they line up.

“Some of these guys have been sitting on the sidelines for a decade,” Wilson said. “They all think they should be president.”

The number of candidates could present a problem for the GOP — and particularly Trump.

“I think we’re going to see a real mess starting in the spring of next year, where you’re going to have the Ted Cruzes and Josh Hawleys and all these other people running around, and it’s going to make Trump lose his damn mind. He’s going to go crazy,” Wilson said.

As for Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, it’s unclear what they will decide to do. Wilson referred to the two Trump administration members as “two men with an exaggerated view.”

He cited why Rubio’s timing could hurt him.

“Marco has peaked way too early. He’s the golden child for Trump and MAGA world, but it’s so early,” Wilson said.

By 2027, it will be clearer who might be next in line to succeed Trump and try to make gains among the MAGA movement, he said.

“Watch the spring of next year, you’re going to see a lot of people suddenly visiting New Hampshire, suddenly visiting Iowa, suddenly announcing the ‘American Dream super PAC’ and writing terrible campaign books,” Wilson added. “That’s become sort of one of the things, the ritual.”

Knives come out as furious GOP insiders go scorched earth on a 'White House gone rogue'

A furious GOP Senate aide fired off at Trump for ignoring the issues that matter ahead of the midterms, the conservative Daily Mail reported Friday.

"People are p— the f— off that prices are too high and things are too expensive," a senior GOP aide told the Mail. "I'm just not sure the president really cares or if he's really in tune with what's going on on Capitol Hill."

The aide's concerns came as the November midterms approach, which could cost the GOP Senate its majority. The Daily Mail noted recent controversial moves by Trump, like the appointment of Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence, his UFC cage match on the White House lawn, and the creation of his anti-weaponization fund.

"Between the Pulte nominations and anti-weaponization fund, the White House has definitely gone rogue and instead pushed priorities without talking to Congressional leadership," another senior GOP aide told The Daily Mail, bringing up that Trump hasn't even seemed to consult Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD).

"We're begging the White House to focus on issues to help Republicans in the midterms," the second aide continued. "But it feels like it's falling on deaf ears."

A third senior GOP congressional aide agreed, saying, "The president's fiery public demands of Congress often seem disconnected from his staff's more deferential posture when dealing with GOP leadership and moderates," The Mail reported.

The congressional aide also complained about "wild swings in who gets thrown under the bus week by week," according to the Mail.

A senior GOP House aide put some of the blame on Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) for hurting House Republicans by defending Trump.

"Speaker Johnson has relied so heavily on Trump to lead the conference and clean up his messes that it's no wonder Trump has taken more of an active role in dictating what he wants to see from Congress," the House aide told The Mail. "Is it good for the institution? Not really, but Speaker Johnson is the one to blame for weakening the speakership."

A fourth Senate GOP aide concluded, "If our coalition falls apart, we will not be able to advance the president's priorities."

'Grifter': GOP senator toppled by Trump lashes out at right-wing activist

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) lashed out on social media at a longtime right-wing activist notorious for his voter registration drives.

"Just had a conversation with Senator John Cornyn at the airport," wrote Scott Presler on X. "I was very gracious & asked him to pass the SAVE America Act" — referencing a package of draconian voter restrictions pushed by President Donald Trump.

Cornyn replied with a one-word response: "Grifter."

Additionally, former Cornyn campaign strategist Matt Mackowiak replied to Presler too, saying, "He’s an original cosponsor (expletive). Flip a no vote."

Presler has long boasted about delivering victories for Republicans by going into key states to register new Republicans, although some studies of the areas he set up his drives, like Amish Country in Pennsylvania, cast doubt on the idea he had any more than a negligible impact.

The activist has also racked up a string of controversies, including his ties to anti-Muslim hate groups, his involvement with the "Stop the Steal" rallies preceding the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and his ignominious resignation as field coordinator for the Republican Party of Virginia after reports that he engaged in gay hookups at the Virginia Beach GOP office and posted photos of the encounters to Craigslist.

Red-state poll is 'canary in the coal mine' that collapse is coming for GOP: Expert

A new poll of Ohio is a "canary in the coal mine" for Republicans, legendary political analyst Charlie Cook wrote in his Substack on Thursday.

The poll of 1,015 registered voters, commissioned by Fox News, suggests "far greater danger for Republicans in November than was previously evident," wrote Cook, the founder of the eponymous Cook Political Report. "The analysis by Dana Blanton, who heads the Fox polling unit, as well as the poll’s topline results and crosstabs, are all worth reading. When reading the numbers that follow, you should know that unreleased, private, high-quality polls conducted for both sides show similar results; this poll is not an outlier."

President Donald Trump carried Ohio three times in a row, noted Cook. It's a Republican-favoring state that, at least in the past, has been winnable for Democrats in favorable years. And this poll suggests it could be in play for them again.

"The poll showed former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown leading Sen. Jon Husted by 8 points, 53 to 45 percent," wrote Cook — a real threat given that Brown has won Senate elections in Ohio three times before. Meanwhile, "The gubernatorial race is effectively tied. Amy Acton, who ran the state Department of Health during the COVID pandemic and is now the Democratic nominee, ran ahead of technology entrepreneur and 2024 GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy by 1 point, 50 to 49 percent."

At the same time, Trump is underwater 15 points in favorable ratings, a massive drop from his six-point lead in the poll just two years ago, Cook wrote. Similarly, both Democrats have gained a favorability lead.

The bottom line, he concluded, is that "while Trump’s problems will simply knock a few points off of the victory margins for most Republicans in ruby-red, solidly Republican states and districts, they threaten to put those GOP candidates with constituencies closer to the edge into untenable positions" — and Ohio is getting to the point where that might be such a constituency.

Trump turns on Republican allies in score-settling live TV takedown

President Donald Trump trashed two close Republican allies during a press conference Thursday.

Trump was speaking to reporters from the Oval Office when he tore into Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) after the longtime GOP lawmakers opposed the SAVE America Act — a package of new restrictions on voting that Trump has pushed Republicans to back. McConnell and Murkowski were among four Republicans who broke ranks and voted against the legislation.

"Mitch McConnell gave so much money to the Democrats," Trump said. "He gave them money. I had to go get the wall money from the military. I just took it out of the military."

"Mitch McConnell's a bad guy and I thought he was lousy at his job," he added.

"They gave him a lot of credit for judges, but I'm the one that got the judges," Trump said. "I won the election, if I didn't win the election he wouldn't have had any judges."

The president then turned his attention to Murkowski.

"I've done so much for Murkowski," Trump said.

"Has anybody done more for Alaska than me?" Trump asked, turning to Alaska's Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who was standing behind him.

Dunleavy agreed and praised Trump, saying "You've been the best president for Alaska in our history. I've said that many times."

"Murkowski's terrible, terrible to us, terrible to the country," Trump added, suggesting that he has paid more attention to Alaska than other states.

Trump: "Mitch McConnell gave so much money to Democrats. He gave them money. I had to go get the wall money from the military. I just took it out of the military." pic.twitter.com/zR2CVufm21
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 11, 2026

Trump now trashing Alaska Senator Murkowski. pic.twitter.com/MvibMDqQ7n
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 11, 2026

Trump's latest inflation claim sends shockwaves through the Republican Party

Republican lawmakers were not pleased after President Donald Trump said he was not concerned about inflation, telling reporters on Wednesday, "I love the inflation."

Trump signed the Secure America Act surrounded by GOP leaders in the Oval Office when reporters asked him to respond to rising inflation, which reached its highest level since 2023.

In a series of exclusive interviews with Raw Story, several congressional members reacted to the president's comments and skyrocketing inflation hitting the economy.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-MN) was not happy about the inflation spike.

"I don't like it, nor do the American people," Johnson said.

When asked if he was concerned that Trump's comments could impact Republicans, the loyal MAGA senator had a quick response.

"I'm opposed to inflation," Johnson added.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) chuckled when Raw Story asked him about the new inflation numbers.

"Inflation is created over time, and it was a f------ disaster for four years," Tuberville said, arguing that the pandemic had complicated the economy.

"It's a huge problem," Tuberville said.

The longtime Republican lawmaker declined to comment on the president's remarks.

"No comment," Tuberville added.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) told Raw Story that he was concerned about the cost of living for Americans.

"Inflation is a challenge and it puts a real burden on working men and women," Cruz said.

Cruz claimed he has seen "significant victories" in driving down the cost of housing and food — but rising costs at the pump remain a problem.

"But gas prices are up," Cruz said, blaming the Biden administration and citing gas prices from the previous administration, then saying it was a "short-term effect" of the military conflict in the Middle East.

"I think this war in Iran will be resolved and if we can see a stable government there that is not antagonistic to the United States, I think that will have a long-term downward pressure on gas prices, which would be a good thing. I want gas and I want all of the expenses of everyday life to be affordable to Americans, and more affordable."

When asked if Trump would benefit from speaking more clearly — and honestly — to Americans about the affordability crisis, Cruz sidestepped the question.

"The president can speak for himself and I'm confident he will continue doing so," Cruz added.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) told Raw Story inflation was "high" and suggested that changing that could come down to the gas tax.

"That's what's driving the inflation — the energy," Hawley said. "If we took 20 percent off the gas tax, that would be a huge help to people."

Hawley said he had not seen or heard Trump's comments yet.

Democrats also had thoughts about the president's comment.

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) was stunned by Trump's praise for inflation amid a struggling economy, citing how her constituents have been struggling to pay for groceries and gas.

"It's crazy, he's out of touch with Nevadans, and I'm sure the rest of the country," she said.

John Oliver roasts Republican candidates in America's 'craziest' governor's race

John Oliver, host of "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," had a hilarious response to some stunning claims made by Colorado governor candidates.

The HBO Max late-night talk show host revealed why the important election was raising so many eyebrows — and what some of the candidates had recently said.

"Perhaps the craziest race this year is for governor of Colorado," Oliver said. "For the Democrats, the leading contenders are Colorado's AG, and one of its senators. But on the Republican side, things are much wilder. There are three candidates. State Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer's been painted as the 'adult in the room,' which is striking since she once led an 'attempt to pursue state succession and form a 51st state.' But the other two candidates are something else. Take Scott Bottoms. At this week's candidate debate, he had this alarming exchange with the moderator."

Oliver cut to a clip from a recent debate with moderator, journalist Kyle Clark, a host on 9NEWS Denver.

"You said that you were deeply honored to have the endorsement of your friend Joe Oltmann, the MAGA podcaster, who has called for the execution by hanging of Colorado's Governor, attorney general and secretary of state, who he calls 'synagogue of Satan Jews.' If you're elected governor, would Mr. Oltmann have a role in your administration?"

Bottoms' response was shocking.

"Assuming it's not around Jewish people, probably," he replied nonchalantly.

Oliver was also dumbfounded by the response.

"Holy s---!" Oliver said. "Look, 'probably' is a fine answer to questions like 'will the sun rise tomorrow?' or 'has Mike Lindell ever f----- a pillow?' But it is not ideal when you've just been asked, 'if someone spewed anti-semitic rhetoric, would you still hire them?'"

But that wasn't the only surprising moment.

"Then, there is Victor Marx, a self-described 'high-risk humanitarian' who also claims to be 'the world's fastest gun disarmer' and a 'seventh degree Black belt in 'Cajun Karate Keichu' — something apparently invented by his dad, as a form of '100 percent American Christian karate," Oliver said. "Over the years, Marx has made some wild claims. And when the journalist who moderated that debate sat down with him last week, he addressed one of the big ones."

Oliver cut to the clip of the Marx and Clark interview.

"Your claim that your abusive stepfather forced you to kill a man when you were seven years old. Is that the only person you've ever killed?" Clark asked.

Instead of immediately answering the question, Marx had an unusual response. He paused and looked up, taking several seconds to respond.

"Well, I would say — as a child, yes. Without question. But I've been in other situations where, you know, possibly people or persons died, as a result of me defending myself in other countries," Marx said.

Clark followed up after the cryptic reply.

"Do you think that you've killed people as an adult?" Clark asked.

"Does it matter?" Marx responded.

"Yeah, I'd say so," Clark said.

Oliver agreed.

"Yeah, yeah, I'd say so, too," Oliver added. "I don't think anyone needed to say, 'Our elected officials should at least have a guesstimate of how many people they've killed,' but it seems we're in a new era right now. There's protein in the Pop-Tarts. The rules are over."

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