President Donald Trump has publicly called for Republican Representative Chip Roy (TX) to face a primary challenge, accusing him of obstructing Republican efforts to secure a victory in the ongoing debate over a new continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government. Trump’s comments come in the wake of the collapse of both the Democrats’ and Mike Johnson’s government spending bill, which has led Congress to deliberate a new piece of legislation known as the “American Relief Act of 2024.” The bill seeks to prevent a government shutdown while addressing issues such as disaster relief for areas affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as supporting farmers.
Trump criticized Roy for what he called “self-serving obstruction” that is undermining GOP efforts. In a statement, Trump wrote, “The very unpopular ‘Congressman’ from Texas, Chip Roy, is getting in the way, as usual, of having yet another Great Republican Victory—All for the sake of some cheap publicity for himself. Republican obstructionists have to be done away with.”
Trump further suggested that Roy’s resistance to the bill was hurting the Republican Party’s ability to push forward, adding, “Weak and ineffective people like Chip have to be dismissed as being utterly unknowledgeable as to the ways of politics, and as to Making America Great Again.”
The criticism continued as Trump urged for a victory even if it meant shutting down the government temporarily, stating, “We had an overwhelming Victory just four weeks ago, and we’re not going to let the Democrats forget it so quickly!”
In a response to Trump’s remarks, CNN reporter Kit Maher asked Roy for his thoughts on the accusations. Roy, who has been a vocal advocate for cutting federal spending, seemed unfazed by Trump’s attack. “We’re working to cut spending, which is what the voters sent me to Washington to do,” Roy explained, underscoring his commitment to fiscal conservatism.
Former Vice President Mike Pence, a notable figure in the GOP, came to Roy’s defense, calling him “one of the most principled conservatives in Washington” and thanking him for his stand against runaway federal spending. Pence added that the nation cannot continue accumulating debt for future generations, highlighting Roy’s efforts to reduce it.
Despite the sharp division within the Republican Party, Roy remains firm in his position, advocating for a deal that addresses his priorities of fiscal responsibility and spending cuts.
