This GOP senator is the first to say he won't vote for Donald Trump in November
On Sunday, Donald Trump got his first endorsement from a sitting U.S. senator, Jeff Sessions (Ala.), in a blow to GOP presidential rival Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) — but he also received his first un-endorsement, when Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse (R) said on Twitter he won't support Donald Trump (or Hillary Clinton).
The tweet was the first in a Twitter "open letter to my friends supporting Donald Trump," and in follow-up tweets he explained why he won't back the probable nominee of his political party, starting with whom he would support: "My expectation is that I'll look for some 3rd candidate — a conservative option, a Constitutionalist." He accused Trump of not supporting the First Amendment ("threats vs religious liberty") and said "a presidential candidate who boasts of what he'll do during his 'reign' & refuses to condemn the KKK cannot lead the conservative movement." Then Twitter responded, and Sasse felt compelled to say he's a conservative, not a "career politician," wants to make America great again, is "not part of the Establishment," and "is not for open borders." You can read Sasse's "open letter," interrupted by an Oscars complaint, at Twitter.
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.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Political dynasties at war in the Philippines
Under the Radar 'Fiercer, nastier, and more personal' rift between Marcos and Duterte factions risks splitting ruling coalition
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
'Without mandatory testing, bird flu will continue circulating at farms across the country'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Thirteen missing after Red Sea tourist boat sinks
Speed Read The vessel sank near the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacks
speed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages released
Speed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'
Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
By The Week UK Published
-
Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs say
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war?
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign port
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around'
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published