Republicans are in the ‘Find Out’ Stage and They’re Not Happy

As a surprise to absolutely no one, the effects of Trump’s broad and ill-informed actions are being felt across the country and people are suffering to the point where even republicans are saying it’s too much. Republican senator of Alabama, Katie Britt said that Trump should take a “smart and targeted” approach to the cuts so they don’t ‘hinder lifesaving, groundbreaking research at high-achieving institutions. Alabama has received $518 million in active grants from the National Institutes of Health which will be affected by the federal funding cuts. A farmer that voted for Trump has taken to social media saying that he is in danger of losing his farm since it relies on federal funding that has been frozen. Many states that voted red have renewable energy industries that are being affected by the funding freeze as well. Ohio representative Michael Rulli says, “There might be some things in there that are worth saving.” in reference to the $415 million in federal funding his district receives. Even antisemitic, white nationalist Nick Fuentes criticized Elon Musk, asking when he was even elected. Republicans and other conservative followers were supporting Trump because he was going to make this country “great.” Now they’re feeling the effects of that “greatness” and are finally seeing some of the things everyone else has been concerned about. This is not a moment where progressives can even say “we told you so” because no one is benefiting from these people in the red states suffering. No one is happy about people losing their livelihood and access to care. Lobbyist and executive director of E2, Bob Keefe met with republican offices and said, “I can tell you nobody wants to kill jobs … They don’t want to have to go back and face constituents and tell them that the factory I just cut the ribbon on might not be coming. That’s going to put them in a hard place.” There’s a possibility that even more republicans are unhappy about what Trump and Musk are doing right now but won’t publicly oppose them due to fear of retaliation. Musk claimed that he was making a “naughty list” of those who oppose Trump’s agenda and republican lawmakers have been warned that they will pay a political price for doing so. A republican senator who requested to remain anonymous says, “The White House hasn’t been too subtle about that. I think they’ve been fairly threatening.” It doesn’t appear to make any difference to Trump since he posted, “He who saves his Country does not violate any law.” His and Musk’s government takeover is ruffling feathers and causing suffering all across the world and he still believes he can do no wrong.