Donald Trump has criticized Colorado Congressman Ken Buck on social media, accusing him of vying for a job at major American broadcasters.
The Colorado representative announced he wouldn't seek reelection next year and that he would retire, after seeing some of his colleagues back the baseless claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, which was pushed by the former president following his loss to Joe Biden. The idea that Trump is still the rightful president of the U.S. still emanates throughout factions of the Republican Party.
"Good news for the Country! Congressman Ken Buck of Colorado, a weak and ineffective Super RINO if there ever was one, announced today that he won't be running again, which is a great thing for the Republican Party," Trump said on Truth Social. "He knew long ago he could never win against MAGA, so now he is, like some past and present, auditioning for a job at Fake News CNN, MSDNC, or some other Country-destroying Leftwing Outlet. They can have him, and watch their Ratings go down still further, if that's even possible!"
Buck hasn't made any mention of future employment with a news outlet.
"I always have been disappointed with our inability in Congress to deal with major issues and I'm also disappointed that the Republican party continues to rely on this lie that the 2020 election was stolen and rely on the January 6 narrative and political prisoners from January 6 and other things," Buck said on MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports. "If we're going to solve difficult problems, we've got to deal with some very unpleasant truths or lies and make sure that we project to the public what the truth is."
Buck is one of the eight Republican lawmakers who voted with Democrats to oust California Rep. Kevin McCarthy from the speakership last month. He was also steadfastly opposed to Jim Jordan, who fiercely vied to become the new speaker, but failed after numerous voting rounds.
But Buck did vote for newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson, who has been accused of helping Trump with his efforts to deny the 2020 election result. Dubbed "MAGA Mike" by far-right supporters, he was one of 147 GOP members to object to the 2020 results after the January 6 insurrection. He also authored an amicus brief filed to the Supreme Court regarding throwing out the results of votes in swing states.
Buck said in a statement released following Johnson's vote win: "Congratulations to Rep. Mike Johnson, the 56th Speaker of the U.S House of Representatives. I voted for Rep. Johnson because of his unwavering dedication to conservative principles, his willingness to tackle tough issues, and because he is the right candidate to bring this Republican conference together again."
Buck had criticized Johnson before voting for him. According to the Wall Street Journal, Buck said: "Mike [Johnson] went to the Supreme Court with a challenge to the election. I think going to the courts is one thing. Trying to move the mob from the Mall up to the House floor and interrupting the congressional proceeding is a whole different issue."
Buck cited a lack of "civility" in politics as one of his reasons for standing down at the next election, but clarified that he wouldn't leave the Republican Party despite his lack of belief in its direction.
"Civility in politics generally is less now than it was before," Buck said, according to the Guardian. "The ability to deal with major issues – you know, the sustainability of Medicare, social security, other big issues – we've got to address [those] and we can't keep worrying about the last election. We've got to focus on where we're going to take America in terms of policy."
Fellow GOP lawmaker, Texas Rep. Kay Granger, also said she would retire at the upcoming election. The longest-serving Republican in the House, she said in a statement that it is "time for the next generation to step up and take the mantle and be a strong and fierce representative for the people."
Newsweek has contacted Ken Buck for comment via email.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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