Former President Donald Trump has publicly called for a primary challenge against Republican Representative Chip Roy (TX), accusing him of obstructing GOP efforts during the ongoing negotiations over a newly proposed continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government.
The dispute centers on the “American Relief Act of 2024,” a proposed CR aimed at preventing a government shutdown, supporting farmers, and providing disaster relief for communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The bill emerged following the collapse of Democrats’ and Speaker Mike Johnson’s prior spending bill.
Trump blasted Roy on Truth Social, labeling him as a self-serving obstructionist undermining the Republican agenda for personal gain.
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.
The Democrats are using them, and we can’t let that happen. Our Country is far better off closing up for a period of time than it is agreeing to the things that the Democrats want to force upon us. Biden is President, and it’s his obligation to properly lead.
We’re there to do the right thing, and we can’t agree with what Biden and the Democrats are demanding.
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.
Put ‘America First,’ and go for the Victory, even if it means shutting the Government down for a period of time. We had an overwhelming Victory just four weeks ago, and we’re not going to let the Democrats forget it so quickly!
Chip Roy is just another ambitious guy, with no talent. By the way, how’s Bob Good doing? I hope some talented challengers are getting ready in the Great State of Texas to go after Chip in the Primary. He won’t have a chance!”
When approached by CNN reporter Kit Maher on Capitol Hill, Roy appeared unperturbed by Trump’s remarks.
Kit Maher: “Trump is saying you’re getting in the way of a Republican victory for cheap publicity. What’s your reaction to that?”
Chip Roy: “I’m unable to read. All we’re doing is trying to talk about how to get a deal done so we can actually cut spending.”
When pressed further, Roy reiterated his commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Maher: “He said, ‘Weak and ineffective, people like Chip have been dismissed as utterly unknowledgeable as to the ways of politics and as to making America great again. Put America first and go for victory.’”
Roy: “We’re working to cut spending, which is what the voters sent me to Washington to do. That’s what we’re working on.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence stepped in to defend Roy, praising his dedication to conservative principles and fiscal restraint.
Pence wrote:
“Congressman Chip Roy is one of the most principled conservatives in Washington DC, and people across this country are grateful for his stand against runaway federal spending. We just can’t keep piling trillions in debt on our children and grandchildren. Thank you, Chip Roy.”
Congressman Chip Roy is one of the most principled conservatives in Washington DC and people across this country are grateful for his stand against runaway federal spending. We just can’t keep piling trillions in debt on our children and grandchildren. Thank You @RepChipRoy!🇺🇸
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) December 19, 2024
With Trump’s comments intensifying intra-party tensions, the focus now shifts to whether a primary challenger will emerge to take on Roy in Texas. Meanwhile, the GOP continues its efforts to negotiate a funding solution, with Roy holding firm on his stance to prioritize spending cuts.