Moderate GOP Senator Faces Backlash from Trump Supporters After Town Hall Remarks
Senator Lisa Murkowski, a moderate Republican from Alaska, is facing renewed criticism from supporters of former President Donald Trump after remarks she made during a town hall meeting with constituents late last month.
Speaking at a summit with nonprofit and tribal leaders, Murkowski admitted she often feels anxious about publicly opposing Trump’s policies, including tariffs, executive actions, and cuts to federal agencies, citing fears of political retaliation.
“We are all afraid,” Murkowski said, according to Reuters. “It’s quite a statement. But we are in a time and place that I certainly have never been in before. I’ll tell you, I’m often very anxious myself about using my voice, because retaliation is real. And that’s not right.”
“I’m going to use my voice to the best of my ability,” she added. “I have to figure out how to help those who are feeling anxious and afraid.”
Murkowski’s comments were in response to a question about what she would say to people concerned about the Trump administration’s policy shifts. Her remarks, captured on video, quickly sparked backlash online.
Critics on social media accused her of hypocrisy, questioning her silence during the Biden administration. “Where was she the past four years when Biden was using lawfare against his political opponents?” one user wrote.
Comedian and commentator Tim Young posted the video with the caption: “Lisa Murkowski says ‘we are all afraid’ now because of Trump… That’s right, she’s really a Democrat.”
Others called her “shameful” and “disconnected,” with some asking if she would face a primary challenger.
Murkowski has long been one of the few Senate Republicans to openly criticize Trump. She voted to convict him during his second impeachment trial and narrowly survived a challenge from a Trump-endorsed candidate in her last re-election campaign.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to push forward with its policy agenda. Last week, Vice President JD Vance highlighted progress on a U.S.-India trade agreement, emphasizing the importance of strong cooperation between Washington and New Delhi.
Vance, speaking in Jaipur, India, underscored the stakes: “If U.S.-India cooperation fails, the Indo-Pacific will face dire consequences.”
Defending Trump’s trade strategy, Vance said, “Critics claim President Trump started a trade war, but in reality, he’s working to rebalance global trade so that the U.S. and its allies—like India—can build a better future together.”
He concluded by announcing that both governments had finalized terms for formal trade negotiations focused on jobs, supply chains, and mutual economic growth.