Trump Calls for Texas to Find a ‘Talented Challenger’ for Chip Roy [WATCH]

Former President Donald Trump has called for a primary challenge against Republican Representative Chip Roy (TX), accusing him of obstructing GOP efforts in the ongoing debate over the latest and now defeated proposed continuing resolution (CR) aimed at funding the government.

Trump’s comments come as Congress deliberates the “American Relief Act of 2024,” a CR that was designed to avert a government shutdown while providing support for farmers and disaster relief for communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

In a statement released on his social media platform, Trump sharply criticized Roy, labeling him an obstructionist who prioritizes personal publicity over party unity.

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Trump accused Roy of undermining Republican strategies and aligning with Democrats to the detriment of GOP goals.

Trump stated: “The very unpopular ‘Congressman’ from Texas, Chip Roy, is getting in the way, as usual, of having yet another Great Republican Victory – All for the sake of some cheap publicity for himself. Republican obstructionists have to be done away with. The Democrats are using them, and we can’t let that happen.”

Trump further called for a government shutdown if necessary to resist Democratic demands: “Put ‘America First,’ and go for the Victory, even if it means shutting the Government down for a period of time. We had an overwhelming Victory just four weeks ago, and we’re not going to let the Democrats forget it so quickly!”

The former president concluded his statement by encouraging challengers in Texas to prepare for a primary race against Roy, asserting that Roy lacks the talent to succeed.

When confronted about Trump’s comments during an interview on Capitol Hill, Rep. Roy appeared unshaken.

Speaking with CNN reporter Kit Maher, Roy emphasized his focus on fiscal responsibility and cutting federal spending.

Maher asked Roy to respond to Trump’s remarks that he was seeking “cheap publicity.”

Roy replied, “I’m unable to read. All we’re doing is trying to talk about how to get a deal done so we can actually cut spending.”

When pressed further about smoothing things over with Trump, Roy said, “I don’t even know what we’re talking about… We’re working to cut spending, which is what the voters sent me to Washington to do.”

Asked CHIP ROY his reaction to TRUMP’s posts: pic.twitter.com/eSjtqXbCVa

— Kit Maher (@KitMaherCNN) December 19, 2024

Not everyone agrees with Trump’s critique of Roy.

Mike Pence defended Roy, praising his commitment to fiscal conservatism.

Pence wrote on social media: “Congressman Chip Roy is one of the most principled conservatives in Washington, D.C., and people across this country are grateful for his stand against runaway federal spending. We just can’t keep piling trillions in debt on our children and grandchildren. Thank You Chip Roy.”

Congressman Chip Roy is one of the most principled conservatives in Washington DC and people across this country are grateful for his stand against runaway federal spending. We just can’t keep piling trillions in debt on our children and grandchildren. Thank You @RepChipRoy!

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) December 19, 2024

The American Relief Act of 2024, which included provisions to fund government operations, provide disaster relief, and support farmers, has become a flashpoint for debates on fiscal responsibility and party strategy.

While some Republicans saw the CR as a necessary compromise to avoid a shutdown, others, including Trump, advocated for a harder stance against Democratic priorities.

As Trump continues to wield significant influence over the GOP, his call for a primary challenge against Roy signals ongoing tension between the party’s factions.

I support single subject bills. I’m not sold on the CR.

Even so.

I had NO IDEA that Chip Roy was a George Floyd worshiper who tried to keep Liz Cheney in power, and he worked to remove one of the most effective state attorney general in decades, Texas AG Ken Paxton. pic.twitter.com/cbCs6bDI3T

— Cernovich (@Cernovich) December 20, 2024

Whether Roy will face a serious challenger in Texas remains to be seen.

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