Republicans in the legislature have decided to strike back against the conviction of former President Donald Trump by launching an all-out boycott of any legislation that fits with Democratic legislative goals, potentially throwing a wrench in the ability of the left to ram through its agenda in the waning days of Biden’s presidential term.
As background, on Thursday, May 30, the jury in the Manhattan trial found Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records brought against him by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The case, an attempt to potentially throw a former president and the leader of the political opposition, is unprecedented in America and shocked many, particularly on the right.
So, the conservative legislators have decided to try to take the fight to the left with a legislative boycott. Among those who led the charge on the boycott is Senator Mike Lee of Utah, who wrote on X, “Strongly worded statements are not enough. Those who turned our judicial system into a political cudgel must be held accountable. We are no longer cooperating with any Democrat legislative priorities or nominations, and we invite all concerned Senators to join our stand.”
Sen. Lee also attached a letter in which a number of Senators made their pledge and signed the document. Those who signed it, in addition to Lee, were Senator JD Vance, Senator Tommy Tuberville, Senator Eric Schmitt, Senator Marsha Blackburn, Senator Rick Scott, Senator Roger Marshall, and Senator Marco Rubio. Notably, both Vance and Rubio are competing to be Trump’s VP.
Beginning the letter, the Senators argued that the case and the White House have made America’s judicial system into a laughing stock. They wrote, “The White House has made a mockery of the rule of law and fundamentally altered our politics in un-American ways. As a Senate Republican conference, we are unwilling to aid and abet this White House in its project to tear this country apart.”
The letter continued, “To that end, we will not 1) allow any increase to non-security related funding for this administration, or any appropriations bill which funds partisan lawfare; 2) vote to confirm this administration’s political and judicial appointees; and 3) allow expedited consideration and passage of Democrat legislation or authorities that are not directly relevant to the safety of the American people.”
Senator Rick Scott drew attention to Senator Lee’s post and the powerful letter making the boycott pledge with a quote-tweet of Sen. Lee’s post, saying, “100% agree. Our country is in real trouble. Republicans must stand together and end this madness.” In a second quote tweet, he added, “I’m happy to join this statement holding @POTUS responsible for the mockery he has made of our rule of law.”
Senator Lee later added that two others joined the pledge to boycott anything having to do with the left’s legislative agenda in Congress, saying, “UPDATE: salute to @HawleyMO and @SenRonJohnson for joining our pledge! Democrats don’t get to wreck our judicial system and expect any cooperation on their legislative priorities.”
Watch Trump speak about his conviction here:
