The GOP is working to rally behind the former president. But not every lawmaker is on board with that idea.
As these top Republican Senators just turned their back on Trump in a move that left him red with rage.
As Senate Republicans prepare to present a united front at the upcoming national convention in Milwaukee, a notable number of GOP senators have announced they will not be attending.
This event, crucial for rallying the party’s base ahead of the November 5th presidential election, will proceed without the presence of some key figures who have had contentious relationships with former President Donald Trump.
Among those opting out are Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Todd Young (R-IN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).
These senators cited scheduling conflicts and logistical issues as reasons for their absence.
Senator Murkowski, who has been vocal against Trump and endorsed former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley in March, confirmed her decision, saying, “I’ve got other engagements that are lined up, so no.” Murkowski, who clashed with Trump during his presidency and called for his resignation following the January 6th Capitol riot, added, “I’m disappointed that we don’t have better choices as a country when it comes to our presidential election.”
Senator Collins, who also voted to convict Trump in 2021, mentioned a busy schedule in Maine as her reason for not attending.
“I didn’t go to the last Republican Convention either; it’s been a number of years,” she stated, avoiding direct comment on her stance towards Trump’s candidacy.
Similarly, Senator Cassidy, another who voted to convict Trump, cited limited time with family and district commitments as his reason for skipping the convention.
Senator Rounds expressed uncertainty about attending, dependent on the vice-presidential pick. “If it was a matter of coming in to help endorse and support a member… but right now we don’t know who that member is,” he said, expressing a preference for Tim Scott as a potential running mate.
Senator Young mentioned travel plans next week without providing details, and Senator Romney’s absence was anticipated due to his twice voting to convict Trump during impeachment trials.
Despite these absences, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who will attend the convention, downplayed their significance, suggesting they are due to factors unrelated to Trump support.
Grassley said, “Whether or not you go to the convention or not, wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that they don’t support Trump, that has to do with other things.”
The history of GOP convention attendance shows a pattern, with over 20 Senate Republicans skipping the 2016 convention and the 2020 convention being cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, this year’s event will see full participation from Senate Republican leadership, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who endorsed Trump in early March, signaling a thaw in their previously strained relationship.
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), attending the convention, noted a growing unity within the party. “I was quite encouraged by when Donald Trump came to Capitol Hill… I think there’s a uniting factor, it’s happening,” Cramer stated, reflecting optimism about the party’s cohesion.
As the GOP gears up for the final stretch to the presidential election, the absence of some senators may highlight lingering divisions, but the party’s leadership remains focused on presenting a strong, unified front to energize their base.
And the Republican Party would find it in their best interest to avoid the mistakes the Democrats have made when it comes to lacking unity.
We all see just how much of a disaster that party is right now because of their infighting and overall disorganization.
But if the GOP can stay unified, then they will have a very good chance at defeating the Democrats this election season.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
