President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of Indiana Republican lawmakers who have resisted his mid-cycle redistricting plan, accusing them of being ‘RINO’ (Republican In Name Only) for opposing the effort. Over the past 24 hours, Trump has posted multiple times on his Truth Social platform, calling out State Senate President Rod Bray as a ‘Total RINO’ for refusing to support redistricting. He has also hinted at endorsing primary challengers against dissenting senators, including Tipton County Commissioner Tracey Powell, who is running against Jim Buck of Kokomo.
Bray is not the only Indiana Republican to stand against the redistricting plan. State Senator Blake Doriot of Goshen, a known Trump supporter, has also expressed opposition, citing his loyalty to Trump’s agenda on issues like reducing crime, fighting illegal immigration, and promoting patriotism. Trump has publicly threatened to withdraw his support for Bray, State Sen. Greg Goode, and Gov. Mike Braun, citing their resistance to the effort, and has suggested that any GOP member opposing the plan should face a primary challenge.
The White House is actively working to consolidate support for the redistricting plan, with invitations for Indiana lawmakers to meet with the president. State Sen. Scott Baldwin, who accepted an Oval Office invitation, has already pledged his support. However, tensions remain high, with Bray’s decision to delay the December redistricting session drawing Trump’s ire and prompting threats of retribution. As the mid-term elections approach, the political fallout from this dispute could significantly impact the Republicans’ control over the House of Representatives.