A 'political death warrant': GOP lawmakers struggle after criticizing Trump


As Democrats and Republicans ready themselves for 2022 midterm elections, some GOP congressmembers are facing a steeper-than-usual uphill battle, despite consistently-conservative voting records and reports of caucus-wide respect. The punishing variable? Criticism of former President Donald Trump, however slight.
Texas Rep. Chip Roy, a Republican with values largely in touch with his GOP base, denounces President Biden's administration every chance he gets. He supported the recent outster of Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) from her position in House leadership, and decries the Equality Act. Yet he may still lose primary support among voters following his Jan. 6 vote to certify the 2020 election results, a move he himself called his "political death warrant," per a National Review article published Monday. Although Roy is still a midterm favorite, the idea that a lawmaker who deeply condemned Trump (but did not vote to impeach him) remains susceptible to the ex-president's lingering wrath represents a new trend within the party.
In South Carolina, Rep. Tom Rice (R), a strong supporter of Trump and his agenda, faces similar concerns after surprisingly voting to impeach the former president following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Rice called Trump's actions that day "completely despicable," adding that he will "vote that way every single time," reports The Washington Post.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Previously, however, Rice supported the U.S.-Mexico border wall, helped draft what became the 2017 tax cut legislation and defended Trump during his first impeachment trial. But that still might not be enough to save him, writes the Post. Said South Carolina voter Keith Allen: "I'm behind [Rice] 100 percent. But there are people that won't forgive him for [voting to impeach Trump] in our community."
Read more at The National Review and The Washington Post.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
How will Trump's megabill affect you?
Today's Big Question Republicans have passed the 'big, beautiful bill' through Congress
-
Judge blocks Trump's asylum ban at US border
Speed Read The president violated federal law by shutting down the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers, said the ruling
-
How successful would Elon Musk's third party be?
Today's Big Question Musk has vowed to start a third party after falling out with Trump
-
Thai court suspends prime minister over leaked call
Speed Read Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended, pending an ethics investigation
-
Senate passes GOP megabill after Alaska side deal
The pivotal yes vote came from Sen. Lisa Murkowski, whose support was secured following negotiated side deals for her home state Alaska
-
How would the Trump administration denaturalize immigrant citizens?
Today's Big Question Using civil courts lowers the burden of proof
-
'Trucking is a dangerous business'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Trump sues LA over immigration policies
Speed Read He is suing over the city's sanctuary law, claiming it prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities