How Trump's 'Midas touch' shepherds the Republican Party



After President-elect Donald Trump swept all seven swing states and the popular vote on November 5, the Republican Party has largely fallen behind his MAGA mandate.

Although Trump has become the face of the Republican Party, some defectors have required the shepherding of the president-elect in order to effectively implement this MAGA mandate.

While Republicans control both the executive and the legislative branches, the narrow majorities in the House and Senate have left the GOP with very little wiggle room to implement Trump's policy agenda. But where pressure is needed, pressure has been applied, and it has worked.

It's becoming increasingly clear that Trump is the only Republican with the Midas touch of political viability.

One of the earliest examples of Trump's effective pressure campaign was when Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa withheld from formally endorsing Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and veteran who was nominated to head the Department of Defense. Ernst, who focuses much of her advocacy towards victims of sexual abuse in the military, privately expressed reservations about Hegseth, who was facing several allegations, including sexual misconduct. Importantly, Hegseth and many of his former colleagues have firmly denied these allegations.

After the pair first met on Capitol Hill, sources close to the Senate confirmed to Blaze News that Ernst had begun lobbying against Hegseth's nomination. One source told Blaze News that Ernst lends her ear to the old guard, establishment Republicans in the Senate, serving as a "useful proxy" for former leader Mitch McConnell.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (C) walks through the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on December 3, 2024 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Once reports shed light on Ernst's disapproval of Hegseth, the Trump world launched an online pressure campaign to sway the senator. Trump even threatened to primary Republican senators who withheld support from his Cabinet nominees. Ernst quickly caved to the pressure, warming up to Hegseth and leaning into more of the MAGA message.

At the same time, this was not an isolated incident. During the December funding fight on the House side, Trump put his thumb on the scale to produce a more favorable outcome.

Speaker Mike Johnson initially introduced a bloated 1,547-page continuing resolution just days before the government was set to shut down, prompting outrage from fiscal conservatives in the Republican conference. MAGA allies like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy also chimed in and criticized the funding bill. However, Trump's condemnation of the CR was the final blow.

Johnson quickly returned to the drawing board and made as many amendments as Trump demanded. The amended CR went up for a vote but was struck down due to a provision that raised the debt ceiling, one of Trump's demands. Despite this, the House eventually passed the slimmer 116-page CR that omitted the debt ceiling provision, averting a government shutdown.

Despite some blunders, Johnson has secured Trump's blessing.

Shortly after the end-of-year spending fight, Johnson was facing a challenging reelection to the speakership. Ahead of the January 3 election, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky vowed to vote against Johnson, who could only afford one "no vote" given the GOP's historically slim margins. Despite Trump's endorsement of the Speaker, several other fiscal conservatives also expressed hesitancies about reelecting Johnson.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump listens as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks during a press conference at Mr. Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on April 12, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

While the election was taking place, seven Republicans initially refrained from voting for Johnson altogether. Among them was Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, a staunch fiscal conservative who, along with Massie, endorsed Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in the GOP presidential primary. Although Roy had previously defected from Trump, he eventually changed his vote to Johnson because of his "steadfast support of President Trump."

This left Johnson with a total of three defections. Massie voted for Majority Whip Tom Emmer, which remained unchanged in the final vote tally. Republican Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina officially voted for Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, and Rep. Keith Self of Texas voted for Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida.

At this point, Johnson had come up two votes short of securing a second term. Rather than moving on to a second round of voting, which has historically lost votes for candidates, Johnson, Norman, Self, and other Republicans huddled in a room off of the House floor.

In order to secure another political victory, Trump reportedly called Norman and Self in order to sway their votes. Just minutes later, the two defectors approached the clerk and voted for Johnson, securing his speakership in just one round of votes.

It's becoming increasingly clear that Trump is the only Republican with the Midas touch of political viability.

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Lisa Murkowski says she's 'not attached' to the Republican label



Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska reportedly said she is "not attached" to the GOP label and that she would rather have "no label," and she has the voting record to prove it.

Murkowski's track record differs from her hard-line Republican colleagues. She often breaks from her party at consequential moments, like voting against confirming Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 or being the only GOP senator to vote in favor of convicting now President-elect Donald Trump in 2021.

Murkowski said she felt "more comfortable" with no party label than with "an identity as a Republican."

'I don't think I've made any secret of the fact that I'm more of a Ronald Reagan Republican than I am a Trump Republican.'

“I'm not attached to a label," Murkowski said. "I'd rather be that ‘no label.’ I'd rather be that person that is just known for trying to do right by the state and the people that I serve, regardless of party, and I'm totally good and comfortable with that."

Although she has been known to buck the party, Murkowski insisted that she is "still a Republican" and that she has "never shed [her] party label."

"We've got a system in the Senate where there are two sides of the aisle, and I have to sit on one side or I have to sit on the other," Murkowski said.

"I don't think I've made any secret of the fact that I'm more of a Ronald Reagan Republican than I am a Trump Republican," Murkowski continued. "And someone said, 'Well, you aren't really a Republican at all.' And I said, 'You can call me whatever you want to call me.'"

Murkowski and Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and Joni Ernst of Iowa have functioned as a roadblock against Trump, potentially tanking the incoming administration's Cabinet nominees.

Most recently, Pete Hegseth, who has been nominated to head the Department of Defense, was initially facing an uphill battle for his Senate confirmation thanks to Ernst. Although she went against the grain, the pressure campaign from Trump's political allies prompted her to cave and support Hegseth.

Since then, many Republican senators have fallen in line and enthusiastically and publicly endorsed Trump's nominees. Murkowski, however, has remained relatively quiet on the issue.

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Matt Gaetz to host his own TV show



After resigning from the House in November, former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida is now poised to anchor his own show on One America News Network.

The Florida firebrand's upcoming show was advertised Monday night with a promotional "coming soon" graphic on OAN's website. Gaetz's wife, Ginger Gaetz, clarified in a Tuesday post on X that the show will be launching in January.

"I could not be more excited to join the One America News family," Gaetz said on Tuesday. "The best reporting, the best analysis, and the most in-depth coverage of the Trump administration is gonna come from our team."

"I've got the sources, I've got the insights, and there is such a spirit of optimism to unlock the opportunity of America," Gaetz continued. "There's no place that's gonna cover it better than One America News."

Gaetz resigned from the House after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him to serve as attorney general in the upcoming administration. Gaetz withdrew his bid less than two weeks after his nomination, arguing that he was "unfairly becoming a distraction" for the Trump transition team.

Following his withdrawal, Gaetz confirmed that he would not return to serve in the 119th Congress, leaving his professional prospects in limbo.

"While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the crucial work of the Trump/Vance Transition," Gaetz said in a post on X. "There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General."

"Trump's DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," Gaetz continued. "I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I'm certain he will Save America."

Trump later nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has since spent time on the Senate side garnering support ahead of her confirmation hearing.

Following his withdrawal, Gaetz confirmed that he would not return to serve in the 119th Congress, leaving his professional prospects in limbo.

Gaetz resigned just days before a highly anticipated report from the ethics committee was set to go public. The report addresses allegations of illicit drug use and sexual misconduct with a minor, all of which he has vehemently denied.

The ethics committee has continued to hold meetings and deliberate the release of the report despite Gaetz no longer being a member of Congress.

House Democrats proposed a resolution to release the ethics report in early December, but it was promptly struck down by Republicans.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) also argued against releasing the ethics report.

"I do not believe that that is an appropriate thing," Johnson said. "It doesn't follow our rules and traditions, and there is a reason for that. That would open up Pandora's box, and I don't think that's a healthy thing for the institution."

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Joni Ernst warms up to Hegseth despite reportedly lobbying against him



Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa has seemingly warmed up to Pete Hegseth, the nominee to head the Department of Defense, despite hesitating behind closed doors to back him.

Ernst and Hegseth met for the second time on Monday after initially meeting last week. Following the first meeting, Ernst said the two had a "frank and thorough conversation" but refrained from formally endorsing him.

Ernst, who has spent a large part of her career advocating for victims of sexual assault in the military, was initially thought to oppose Hegseth's nominations due to the allegations surrounding his personal life, ranging from sexual misconduct to irresponsible drinking habits. Notably, Hegseth has denied the allegations, with many of his coworkers publicly coming to his defense.

'As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.’

In addition, multiple sources close to the Senate confirmed to Blaze News that Ernst was lobbying against Hegseth because she serves as a "useful proxy" for the old guard Senate Republicans like former leader Mitch McConnell.

Despite her past hesitancies, Ernst seems to have publicly come around to the nomination after her second meeting with Hegseth.

"I appreciate Pete Hegseth's responsiveness and respect for the process," Ernst said in a statement following their meeting on Monday, according to Business Insider.

"Following our encouraging conversations, Pete committed to completing a full audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who will uphold the roles and value of our servicemen and women - based on quality and standards, not quotas - and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assaults within the ranks," Ernst continued.

Hegseth can only afford to lose three votes during his Senate confirmation, assuming Vice President-elect JD Vance participates in the vote. Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and McConnell are being weighed as potential no-votes in unofficial tallies, making Ernst the tie breaker.

"As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources," Ernst said.

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Joni Ernst gives warm welcome to Trump nominees despite giving Hegseth the cold shoulder



Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa has held meetings with several of President-elect Donald Trump's nominees over the last few weeks, some of whom have had better reception than others.

On Monday, Ernst met with Tulsi Gabbard, who is nominated for director of national intelligence, and Kash Patel, who is nominated for director of the FBI. Ernst gave positive remarks about both candidates, calling Gabbard a "strong and proven leader" as well as praising Patel's experience, saying he "will create much-needed transparency" and that he shares her "passion for shaking up federal agencies."

While Ernst has had kind words for some nominees, she refrained from making similar comments last week about Pete Hegseth, whom Trump nominated to lead the Department of Defense.

One source told Blaze News that Ernst has served as a 'useful proxy' for former leader Mitch McConnell and other old guard Senate Republicans, effectively going against the grain of the incoming administration.

After the first meeting between Ernst and Hegseth, the senator held back from endorsing the nominee but rather reiterated that they had a "frank and thorough conversation."

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be secretary of defense Pete Hegseth leaves a meeting with U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) at the U.S. Capitol on December 4, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Speculation swirled about Ernst's possible disapproval of Hegseth. The surface-level assumption was that Ernst, who has spent her career fighting against sexual assault in the military, was unable to reconcile her advocacy with the allegations surrounding Hegseth.

However, sources close to the Senate revealed to Blaze News that there may be a deeper underlying motive. Multiple sources close to the Senate confirmed to Blaze News that Ernst was actively lobbying against Hegseth's nomination. One source told Blaze News that Ernst has served as a "useful proxy" for former leader Mitch McConnell and other old guard Senate Republicans, effectively going against the grain of the incoming administration.

Her hesitation to endorse Hegseth sparked an immense pressure campaign from Trump's allies. As a result, Ernst eventually committed to meeting with Hegseth again and insisted that "he deserves the opportunity to lay out his vision for our warfighters at a fair hearing."

Ernst is expected to meet with Hegseth again on Monday.

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The Republican senator giving Hegseth a headache



Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa is actively lobbying against military veteran and Fox host Pete Hegseth's nomination to head the Department of Defense, sources confirmed to Blaze News.

Hegseth was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump in November and has since been at the center of swirling rumors ranging from accusations of sexual abuse to anonymous allegations surrounding his drinking habits. Despite his fervent denial of the allegations and unwavering support from Trump, Ernst is proving to be a significant roadblock f his confirmation, sources close to the Senate told Blaze News.

In addition to Ernst's concerns about Hegseth's past, other underlying motivations may be driving the conflict.

Hegseth met with Ernst, a fellow veteran, on Wednesday amid the raging reports about his past conduct. Following the meeting, Ernst said that the two had a "frank and thorough conversation" and notably withheld any formal endorsement. Ernst doubled down on the non-answer this morning during an interview with Fox News, saying that she will be continuing a "thorough vetting process" for Hegseth.

"I think for a number of our senators they want to make sure that any allegations have been cleared, and that's why we have to have a very thorough vetting process," Ernst said.

Ernst declined to explicitly endorse Hegseth during the interview, to which the host said, "Doesn't sound in your answer that you've gotten to a yes."

"I think you are right," Ernst responded.

There are several reasons for her hesitation to back Hegseth. For one, a focal point of Ernst's career has been advocating against sexual abuse toward women, particularly in the military. This advocacy seems to be incompatible with a Hegseth endorsement given the allegations surrounding him, sources told Blaze News.

In addition to Ernst's concerns about Hegseth's past, other underlying motivations may be driving the conflict.

Ernst has the opportunity to make concessions with Hegseth to, for instance, crack down on sexual assault against women in the military in exchange for her vote.

Rather than paving the way for her advocacy to become actual policy, Ernst has instead been acting as a "useful proxy" for old guard Senate Republicans like former leader Mitch McConnell, one source told Blaze News.

Ernst, alongside Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, has also been floated as a potential replacement in the event the Hegseth nomination falls through. Although she may not be explicitly vying for the position, one source told Blaze News that she would likely take it if she could.

Given this hypothetical, Ernst's confirmation following the Hegseth debacle would be one to watch. On one hand, her resistance against a candidate who has wholeheartedly been endorsed by the party's revered president-elect may be a hard selling point for her Republican colleagues. On the other hand, one source pointed out that senators usually don't have a difficulty confirming other senators.

For example, Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, who was tapped by Trump to serve as secretary of state, will likely coast through his Senate confirmation process. One source told Blaze News that this would likely be the same case for Ernst were she to replace Hegseth, calling confirmations for fellow senators a "courtesy."

Hypotheticals aside, a nominee can afford to lose only three Republican votes going into the 119th Congress, assuming Vice President-elect JD Vance votes as a tie-breaker.

As things stand, Hegseth is committed to his nomination, and so is Trump. Ernst, however, will continue to be a thorn in Hegseth's side.

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Trump taps Peter Navarro for key admin role



Former director of the White House National Trade Council Peter Navarro was recruited by President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday to serve as senior counselor for trade and manufacturing in the incoming administration.

Navarro has been a loyal ally to Trump and has vowed to implement his tariff-forward trade policy. Navarro has also notably served a four-month jail sentence for refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena pertaining to January 6, which he said demanded that he "betray" Trump to "save [his] own skin."

'He did a superb job for the American people in my First Term. Peter will do even better as Senior Counselor to protect American Workers, and truly Make American Manufacturing Great Again.'

Peter Navarro, an adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaks to reporters after being found guilty of contempt of Congress at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse on September 07, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

"During my First Term, few were more effective or tenacious than Peter in enforcing my two sacred rules, Buy American, Hire American," Trump announced in a Truth Social post on Wednesday. "He helped me renegotiate unfair Trade Deals like NAFTA and the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), and moved every one of my Tariff and Trade actions FAST."

"The Senior Counselor position leverages Peter's broad range of White House experience, while harnessing his expensive Policy analytic and Media skills," Trump continued. "His mission will be to help successfully advance and communicate the Trump Manufacturing, Tariff, and Trade Agendas."

Trump went on to praise Navarro's background as well as his experience in the first administration.

"Peter is not just a superb, Harvard-trained Economist, he is a noted author of more than a dozen bestselling books on strategic business management and unfair Trade," Trump said in the announcement. "He did a superb job for the American people in my First Term. Peter will do even better as Senior Counselor to protect American Workers, and truly Make American Manufacturing Great Again."

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Trump's DEA pick withdraws amid backlash for woke past



Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister withdrew his bid to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration on Tuesday after becoming the subject of intense criticism for his past COVID enforcement and progressive policies.

Chronister withdrew just days after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him to head the DEA on Sunday. Within just a few days, it was uncovered that Chronister had bragged about arresting a local pastor for violating COVID regulations by hosting church services, released 165 inmates due to social-distancing regulations, withheld paid sick leave for deputies who were unvaccinated, encouraged social distancing on boats, and even celebrated Pride Month.

'Next time politicians lose their ever-lovin minds, he can redeem himself by following the Constitution.'

"To have been nominated by President-Elect Donald Trump to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime," Chronister said in a Tuesday post on X. "Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I've concluded that I must respectfully withdraw consideration."

"There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and a lot of initiatives I am committed to fulfilling," Chronister continued. "I sincerely appreciate the nomination, outpouring of support by the American people, and look forward to continuing my service as Sheriff of Hillsborough County."

Chronister was met with backlash from prominent voices in the days after his nomination, most notably from Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.

"I’m going to call 'em like I see 'em," Massie said in a Sunday post on X following the nomination. "Trump’s nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest of a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns."

"This sheriff ordered the arrest of a pastor for holding services during the COVID panic," Massie said in a Tuesday post on X in response to the withdrawal. "He was tapped by Trump to head the DEA. Glad to see him withdraw from consideration. Next time politicians lose their ever-lovin minds, he can redeem himself by following the Constitution."

Chronister is now the second Trump nominee to have withdrawn from their respective bids. Less than two weeks after his nomination in November, former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida dropped his bid for attorney general, claiming that he had become a political distraction for the Trump transition team.

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Trump Cabinet Nominees And Administration Appointees Threatened, Swatted Before Thanksgiving

Trump's cabinet nominees and their families faced violent threats overnight and this morning, Karoline Leavitt announced.

Trump-endorsed Floridian launches bid to replace Mike Waltz following administration nomination



On Tuesday, Republican state Sen. Randy Fine of Florida announced his bid to replace Republican Rep. Mike Waltz after securing an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump.

Fine is running to replace Waltz after Trump tapped the outgoing congressman to serve as national security adviser in the upcoming administration. Waltz confirmed Monday that he would resign from his post on Inauguration Day.

'It is my belief that President Trump is our nation's last, best chance to right the ship.'

“I’m proud to announce that I’m going to be running for the 6th Congressional District of the state of Florida,” Fine told Fox News on Tuesday. “Whether it’s fighting inflation to make America affordable again, closing the border to make America safe again, or standing up for Israel and standing up to China, I’m ready to go.”

Trump also endorsed Fine on Monday ahead of his official announcement, noting his allegiance to the MAGA movement.

"A Harvard Educated, Successful Businessman, and Highly Respected State Legislator, Randy has been an incredible Voice for MAGA, and the Great People of Florida," Trump said. "In Congress, Randy will be an INCREDIBLE Fighter who will work tirelessly with me to Stop Inflation, Grow our Economy, Secure the Border, Champion our Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, Protect our always under siege Second Amendment, and Restore PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH."

In response, Fine praised the president-elect and pledged to work alongside him.

"Clearly Mom wasted no time once she made it upstairs," Fine said. "Mr. President, G-d saved you on that day in Butler so that you could save the world. It would be the honor of my life to be one of your footsoldiers."

Fine resigned from his state Senate seat on Tuesday amid his campaign launch, just one month into his term. His resignation will go into effect beginning March 31.

"It is my belief that President Trump is our nation's last, best chance to right the ship," Fine said in his resignation letter. "And with his statement this weekend, he believes I can help. I owe it to those same children that I entered office to serve to join that fight. While I am sorry that my service in the Senate will be abbreviated, it seems that my path will return me to a People's House where I will fight for Floridians under the familiar title of Representative."

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