The Informal Rino Senate Caucus
Segment # 295
I call this the informal Rino senate caucus because they don’t all agree on the issues on which they will try to block Trump. These senators also have varying degrees of vulnerability in their own states that Trump could use as leverage. Watch these players during the upcoming Senate confirmation hearings.
Susan Collins, U.S. Senate, Maine
Susan Collins (Maine): Known for her moderate stance, Collins has previously voted against Trump's nominees and Cabinet picks. She's up for reelection in 2026 in a Democratic-leaning state, which may influence her decisions. Collins' decision to run again comes despite potential challenges, including: Being one of the most vulnerable Republican incumbents in 2026. Possible political headwinds due to Donald Trump's return to the White House. Her complicated relationship with Trump, having voted to convict him in his second impeachment trial.
Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senate, Alaska
Lisa Murkowski (Alaska): Murkowski has been critical of Trump and has never voted for him. She has historically relied on support from Democrats and independents. Moderate stance: Often described as one of the Senate's most moderate Republicans. Supports abortion rights, a rare position among Republican senators. Often described as one of the Senate's most moderate Republicans. Supports abortion rights, a rare position among Republican senator. Vocal critic of former President Donald Trump. Voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial. Has stated she "absolutely" will not support Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Won a write-in campaign in 2010 after losing the Republican primary. Reelected in 2016 and 2022. Has not ruled out leaving the Republican Party. Expressed regret that the GOP is "seemingly becoming a party of Donald Trump"
Thom Tillis, U.S. Senate, North Carolina
Thom Tillis (North Carolina): While not typically known for opposing his party, Tillis expressed skepticism about Matt Gaetz's nomination for Attorney General. He's up for reelection in 2026 in a potentially competitive state. Combating sex abuse and human trafficking. Improving veterans' access to healthcare. Advancing disease research and funding for conditions like cancer and Alzheimer's. Advocating for responsible use of data, particularly for nonprofit organizations. Initially opposed some of Trump's policies, particularly on immigration. Later became more aligned with Trump, voting to support his emergency declaration for border wall funding. Voted against convicting Trump in his first impeachment trial. Supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act on gun policy in 2022. Voted for the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022, codifying same-sex and interracial marriage rights. Has a background in business, including roles at IBM and PricewaterhouseCoopers'.
Rand Paul, U.S. Senate, Kentucky
Rand Paul (Kentucky): Although generally supportive of Trump, Paul has previously voted against some of Trump's Cabinet picks due to his libertarian views on foreign policy and surveillance issues. Advocates for balancing the federal budget within five years. Supports significant spending cuts across government departments. Proposed increasing defense spending by $190 billion in 2015. Opposes the Patriot Act and large-scale government surveillance. Advocates for shutting down the Department of Education and TSA. Supports criminal justice reform and voting rights for felons. Generally favors a non-interventionist approach. Supports diplomacy with Iran while opposing nuclear proliferation. Advocates for Congressional approval of military actions. Supports free trade and opposes subsidies. Voted for the 2017 tax cut bill. While Paul has been an ally of former President Trump on many issues, he has occasionally criticized Trump's policies, particularly regarding increased deficits during his first term.
Bill Cassidy, U.S. Senate, Louisiana
Bill Cassidy (Louisiana): Cassidy has shown willingness to oppose Trump in the past, having voted to convict him during his 2021 impeachment trial. However, he may be cautious due to his upcoming reelection in 2026 in a pro-Trump state. Background: He is a physician, the first to chair the HELP Committee since 1933. Health care reform. Education policy. Labor issues. Reducing prescription drug costs. Addressing pharmacy benefit manager practices. Generally conservative. Voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial. Critical of Biden's student loan forgiveness attempts and FAFSA handling. Plans to work closely with President Trump on a "Pro-America agenda". Cassidy's leadership of the HELP Committee is expected to bring increased attention to higher education issues and health care policy in the upcoming congressional session.
Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senate, Kentucky
Mitch McConnell (Kentucky): While not explicitly mentioned as opposing Trump's nominees, McConnell has a history of conflicts with Trump and may view these nominations as "one last stand against Trump". Legacy: McConnell has been praised for his consequential Senate leadership and was twice named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World. Judicial impact: As Majority Leader (2015-2021), McConnell led a transformation of the federal judiciary, confirming three Supreme Court justices and numerous federal judges. Current status: McConnell remains a senior member of the Appropriations, Agriculture, and Rules Committees. Mitch McConnell's current Senate term will end in January 2027. While he has stepped down as Republican Senate Leader in January 2025, he plans to continue serving as a senator for the full duration of his seventh Senate term.
Joni Ernst, U.S. Senate, Iowa
Joni Ernst (Iowa): Ernst expressed skepticism about Matt Gaetz's nomination, stating that "He's got his work cut out for him". Served in the U.S. Army Reserves and Iowa Army National Guard for 23 years. Retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004). Advocates for a balanced budget amendment. Supports repealing the Affordable Care Act. Focuses on veterans' affairs and national defense issues. Ernst is known for her conservative stance and her background in both agriculture and the military, which she often emphasizes in her political messaging.
This video was a political calculation where undoubtedly Ernst meant well in decrying racism but failed miserably by having George Floyd be the poster boy for her cause. She should view the documentary, “The Fall of Minneapolis”. By honoring BLM and Antifa which share her position on George Floyd she is not bring people together.