DORAL, Fla.—This week, Republican leaders have gathered once more at a Trump property for their policy summit—but at least one notable absence has sparked irritation among his peers.
House Republicans conducted their retreat at Trump’s golf venue near Miami to pay tribute to their party’s chief, who reclaimed the presidency last November, aided them in retaining their House majority, and assisted in taking back the Senate.
However, Rep. Chip Roy, a vocal advocate for reducing the deficit and a member of the staunch House Freedom Caucus, made it clear he was not attending through a statement on social media.
“Reports indicate I am absent from the supposed Republican retreat in Florida. That is true,” Roy shared on X. “I am in Texas, with my family & meeting constituents instead of spending $2K to hear more justifications for rising deficits while neglecting my responsibilities in DC to provide Trump’s border security [funding] ASAP.”
In a later interview with Fox News, Roy declined to comment on other members of his caucus who also missed the summit, but he was dismissive regarding the extravagant event at Trump’s upscale golf resort.
“If you’re suggesting I should spend money to lounge at a resort instead of fulfilling our obligations… no, I won’t do that,” he stated to the network’s digital outlet.
Reports suggest Republican leadership is furious about Roy’s online critiques.
“Unfortunately, we have individuals at home bemoaning the meeting on Twitter, and they prefer to complain, criticize, and quarrel rather than contribute to solutions,” Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) expressed to Fox News Digital on Tuesday. “We recognize who they are. We simply have to manage it.”
Vice President JD Vance even referenced his boss’s favored fictional cannibalistic murderer in criticizing the absent attendees. The vice president quoted a missing lawmaker, saying those who were not present would “prefer to have lunch with Hannibal Lecter and consume his liver rather than engage in the issues retreat.”
The vice president’s quip garnered laughter from members whose votes are crucial for advancing Trump’s agenda to reform the U.S. government, but it also highlighted a significant issue: House Republicans are not entirely united.
As Vance met with members to discuss their agenda, he requested flexibility as they start to develop a substantial reconciliation bill aimed at extending Trump’s tax cuts, addressing immigration, and reversing Biden-era energy and various other regulations.
House GOP leaders recognize the difficulty they face in satisfying Trump, especially given their slim majority and existing divisions. Hardline members, including Roy, are pushing for considerable cuts to spending that may encounter hurdles in both chambers.
“We will achieve this, but I won’t diminish the challenges ahead. The upcoming weeks are going to be tough. The reason for our upcoming success is that we’ve adequately prepared,” Rep. Dusty Johnson, the chair of the centrist Main Street Caucus, stated.
“This will be a long process,” he noted. “Attempting to complete 26 miles without proper preparation will certainly end poorly.”
Rep. Richard Hudson, who heads the House GOP’s campaign committee, stated that advancing Trump’s policy initiatives is a “mandate” from the voters, playing a pivotal role in the party’s ability to maintain its majority in the midterm elections.
“I believe the upcoming election will serve as a referendum on how well we delivered on the mandate,” he told the Daily Beast.
