Donald Trump has once again taken to his Truth Social platform to launch a verbal attack on a fellow Republican, Texas representative Chip Roy, drawing both criticism and support from conservatives who found his remarks divisive.
The 77-year-old former president issued a challenge to Chip Roy, labeling him a “RINO” (Republican in name only), and suggested a primary battle against him. Trump’s post read, “Has any smart and energetic Republican in the Great State of Texas decided to run in the Primary against RINO Congressman Chip Roy? For the right person, he is very beatable. If interested, let me know!!!”
Chip Roy recently appeared in Iowa for a Fox News interview alongside Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a move that apparently irked Trump. However, Trump’s comments did not sit well with many conservatives who rushed to Chip Roy’s defense, deeming Trump’s remarks as “idiotic.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded to the situation, stating, “While Chip Roy is fighting to do what Donald Trump promised to do — secure our southern border — the former president is on social media demanding a primary challenge to one of the most conservative members of Congress.” DeSantis continued, “I stand with Chip and am honored to have his support. The time for talking is over.
We must stop the invasion, and I will get it done.” It’s important to note that the candidate filing deadline has already passed. Other prominent figures voiced their support for Chip Roy as well. Representative Thomas Massie expressed his solidarity on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I stand with @chiproytx. He fights for what he believes, and he’s one of the most conservative members of Congress. I can tell you with certainty that this shortsighted effort to intimidate Chip will not work.”
Jim Pfaff, CEO of American Blockchain PAC, sided with Chip Roy and said, “I support you for President [Donald Trump]. But I’m 100% on board with [Chip Roy]. Chip is no RINO. He’s an American hero. He’s a constitutionalist. He’s a patriot. And most of all, he’s a good man who selflessly serves in Congress.”
Stephen Miller, a contributing editor at The Spectator, characterized Trump’s comments as laughable, given his past positions on certain issues, saying, “Trump, who caved on bump stocks, and Fauci is calling Chip Roy of Texas a RINO and to be primaried it’s just laughable at this point. It’s laughably insane. Run it back, guys.” Conservative commentator John Cardillo also criticized Trump’s remarks, describing them as an “idiotic lie.”
The tension between Chip Roy and Trump dates back, to Chip Roy being one of the Republicans who voted against overturning the results of the 2020 election. Additionally, Trump supported Representative Elise Stefanik for conference chair in 2021 instead of Chip Roy. In the context of the 2024 presidential elections, Chip Roy has endorsed Ron DeSantis, who is a potential opponent to Trump. Chip Roy has been vocal in his support for DeSantis, describing him as the kind of leader needed for the future of the country, per The Hill.
