President Donald Trump is intensifying his pressure on Indiana Republican lawmakers who have resisted his mid-cycle redistricting plan, criticizing them as ‘RINO’ (Republican In Name Only) for opposing the effort to redraw congressional maps. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump has repeatedly targeted State Senator Rod Bray, calling him a ‘Total RINO’ for his stance against redistricting, which the White House sees as essential to maintaining the GOP’s slim House majority in the upcoming midterms. This has sparked a series of political maneuvers, with threats of primary challenges against dissenters like Bray and fellow Republican Jim Buck of Kokomo.
Trump’s frustration with the resistance to redistricting has led to a retribution strategy, including the potential endorsement of candidates seeking to primary opponents of the plan. This move aligns with long-standing efforts by MAGA allies and White House strategists to ensure GOP support for the redistricting effort. The White House is also extending invitations to Indiana lawmakers for Oval Office meetings, with State Sen. Scott Baldwin accepting the invitation and publicly endorsing the redistricting plan. Meanwhile, tensions have escalated with incidents like the swatting of State Sen. Greg Goode, who faces pressure from Trump to support the initiative.
Bray’s decision to block the redistricting process was influenced by the lack of party support, yet Trump has argued that this implies Governor Mike Braun is not doing enough to rally GOP backing. In a post, Trump emphasized his belief that any Republican opposing redistricting should face a primary challenge, underscoring his commitment to ensure the plan’s success. These developments highlight the broader political dynamics at play as Trump and his allies seek to consolidate control over the party’s legislative agenda and electoral prospects in key states like Indiana.