Public endorsements or statements from Republican figures

Trump Labels Chip Roy 'Weak,' Calls for Primary Over Debt Ceiling Stance; Pence Defends Roy

Dec 19, 2024, 08:19 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has called for a primary challenge against Congressman Chip Roy of Texas, criticizing him as 'weak and ineffective' and 'just another ambitious guy, with no talent.' Trump accused Roy of 'getting in the way' of a 'Great Republican Victory' over the spending bill and raising the debt ceiling, and said 'Republican obstructionists have to be done away with.' He also questioned, 'By the way, how's Bob Good doing?' Roy has opposed raising the debt ceiling without structural reforms to reduce government spending, stating, 'You can't lift the debt ceiling or suspend the debt ceiling without structural reform to save money.' In response to Trump's remarks, Roy reaffirmed his commitment to fiscal responsibility, saying, 'We're working right now on how to actually cut spending, which is what the voters sent me to Washington to do.' Former Vice President Mike Pence and other conservatives have defended Roy, praising his principled stand against runaway federal spending.