New Hampshire Representative Annie Kuster has cited former President Donald Trump as a factor in her decision to step away from Congress.
Speaking with The Boston Globe, Kuster explained that her retirement, announced in March, was partly motivated by a desire to set a “better example” for future generations.
“I’m trying to set a better example,” Kuster said. “There are colleagues — some still very effective and productive — but others who just stay forever.”
Reflecting on the challenges of the Trump era, Kuster admitted that she no longer feels equipped to handle its political climate. “I’m just not the best gladiator for it right now,” she remarked.
Kuster also pointed to the events of January 6, 2021, and their lasting impact on her decision. The protests at the U.S. Capitol, which arose from baseless claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, left her deeply shaken.
“I’ve said somewhat facetiously, he tried to kill me once; I’m not available for that again,” Kuster said, referring to Trump. “What we went through on Jan. 6 and his attempt to overthrow the government took a toll. That was really hard—not just personally, but on my ability to work across the aisle.”
🚨 REPORT: Congresswoman Annie Kruster (D-NH) issues a farewell message as she retires from the House – The Hill
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 26, 2024
“[Trump] tried to k*ll me once, I’m not available for that again."
"What we went through on Jan. 6 and his attempt to overthrow the government took a toll. That was… pic.twitter.com/JER97GzMxD
Although Kuster had announced her retirement well before Trump’s recent electoral victory, she revealed she had long believed Trump had a strong chance of winning, citing weaknesses in then-President Joe Biden’s campaign.
“In my heart, I reached the conclusion that this would be a very challenging campaign for him. Putting himself out there for another four-year term was going to be a struggle,” she explained.
Kuster also disclosed that she had a difficult conversation with Biden and members of the New Democratic Coalition, during which they urged him to consider stepping aside from the 2024 race.
“It was painful,” she admitted. “I haven’t had these kinds of conversations since I talked to my own parents about their aging and limitations.”
Having served New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District since 2013, Kuster cast her final vote on December 20, supporting a spending bill to avert a government shutdown. She highlighted her frustration with the increasing influence of wealth in policymaking as a factor in her decision to leave.
“I’ve never waited so long for one last vote,” Kuster noted. “There’s a theme developing when billionaires make decisions about hard-working families’ lives—it’s cold-hearted.”
Kuster will be succeeded by Maggie Goodlander, a prominent attorney and wife of outgoing White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.