Lisa Murkowski Contemplates Leaving GOP Amid Trump Disagreement
Senator Lisa Murkowski, concerned about Donald Trump's influence and the GOP's trajectory, considers the possibility of departing from the Republican Party.
Tune in to "Inside Politics Sunday with Manu Raju" at 8 a.m. ET and 11 a.m. ET to hear Sen. Lisa Murkowski discuss her plans.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski is concerned about Donald Trump's candidacy and the current direction of the GOP. She is considering the possibility of leaving the party.
The veteran Alaska Republican, Lisa Murkowski, was one of seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial after the events of January 6, 2021. She has made it clear that she is finished with the former president and has stated that she “absolutely” would not vote for him.
“I wish that as Republicans, we had a nominee that I could support,” Murkowski shared with CNN. “I definitely cannot support Donald Trump.”
Murkowski is reevaluating her position in the GOP due to the party's alignment with Trump. When questioned about her party affiliation, she did not confirm if she would stay a Republican. Instead, she mentioned her independent thinking and expressed disappointment in the Republican Party's shift towards Trump.
When asked if this meant she might become an independent, Murkowski simply stated that she is navigating her way through some interesting political times and left it at that.
Murkowski's relationship with her party has not always been strained. Initially appointed in 2002 by her father, Governor Frank Murkowski, she aligned with then-President George W. Bush. Additionally, she had a strong bond with Ted Stevens, the senior GOP senator from Alaska, who played a key role in securing federal funding for the state.
She later clashed with Sarah Palin, who criticized her father. During the rise of the tea party in 2010, Murkowski faced opposition from the more conservative faction of her party. Despite losing in the primary to Joe Miller, she made history by winning a write-in campaign for Senate in the general election.
In her subsequent elections, Murkowski easily secured victory, even after controversial decisions such as convicting Trump in 2021, voting against Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, and supporting Ketanji Brown Jackson in 2022. Despite being targeted by Trump and his supporters in 2022, she received support from Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell and his well-funded outside group.
In the 2024 cycle, Murkowski, along with Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, endorsed former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley shortly before she exited the race.
Now, Murkowski is expressing her readiness to move on from Trump. When asked about Trump's recent remarks suggesting that Jewish people who vote for Democrats must "hate" their religion, Murkowski described it as a "completely wrong and terrible statement."
Murkowski expressed her disagreement with Trump's recent controversial statements. She specifically addressed his comments regarding the individuals involved in the events of January 6. According to Trump, these individuals are seen as both "hostages" and "patriots" who deserve to be pardoned.
In response, Murkowski firmly stated that she does not support or agree with Trump's perspective on this matter. She emphasized that the events of January 6, where individuals stormed the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of the election results, cannot be justified or defended.
Editor's P/S:
Lisa Murkowski's political journey has been marked by independent thinking and a willingness to challenge both the former president and her own party. As the GOP aligns increasingly with Trump, Murkowski finds herself at a crossroads, considering the possibility of leaving the party. Her concerns about Trump's rhetoric and the direction of the GOP reflect a growing divide within the Republican Party, with moderate voices like hers being marginalized.
Murkowski's decision will have significant implications for the future of the GOP. If she leaves the party, it would be a major blow to its efforts to maintain control of the Senate. It would also signal a growing dissatisfaction among moderate Republicans with the direction of the party under Trump's influence. Murkowski's choice will be closely watched by both Democrats and Republicans as it could shape the political landscape for years to come. agenda.
