President Donald Trump (R) scored some breathing room this week as his $454 million bond was reduced to $175 million. Though his poll numbers continue to surge, Republicans face the threat of losing the House in the upcoming election. Despite this, President Trump has now taken to social media to rally against Florida Rep. Laurel Lee (R), calling on conservatives to primary her.
Since the culmination of the 2022 midterm election, Republicans have taken political losses that have resulted in a small majority in the House. President Trump, no stranger to campaigning against Republicans, could be dishing damage to Republicans as he has now set his sights on a new political opponent out of Florida.
Over the weekend, President Trump called on "great MAGA Republicans" to primary Rep. Lee, and this has drawn the complaint of some Republicans.
"Any great MAGA Republicans looking to run against Laurel Lee in Florida's 15th Congressional District? IF SO, PLEASE STEP FORWARD!" the president said on social media.
President Trump famously campaigned against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) ahead of the 2022 midterm election, and though Governor DeSantis won his reelection bid, his eventual presidential run fell short of expectations. This culminated in a third place showing in Florida's Republican primary earlier this month.
Rep. Lee emerged victorious from a crowded GOP primary two years ago in Florida's 15th congressional district, and she was Florida's top election official under Governor DeSantis. Furthermore, she endorsed Governor DeSantis for president, but she endorsed President Trump after the Florida governor suspended his campaign.
She has not responded to President Trump's comments, but other Republicans have chimed into the issue.
Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie (R) weighed in on the president's comments today, calling them "unhelpful and unwarranted."
Rep. Cassie went on to call Rep. Lee "a conservative thoughtful member of the judiciary committee. She endorsed DeSantis for President but then endorsed Trump when DeSantis got out of the race. More of my colleagues should call out these ridiculous bullying tactics."
Texas Rep. Chip Roy (R) also commented on the issue, responding to Rep. Massie with "co-sponsor," alluding to Rep. Lee's support for the "Swamp Omnibus."
Co-sponsor. https://t.co/SghEvqU4jK
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) March 25, 2024
