Republicans opposing Donald Trump, 2016

From Ballotpedia


Elected officials' positions onDonald Trump (2016)
Federal:
Republicans and their declared positions on Donald Trump •Republicans supporting Donald Trump •Republicans opposing Donald Trump
State and local:
Republican state legislators changing their party to protest Donald Trump •Republican local officials and their declared positions on Donald Trump
Republican reactions to 2005 Trump tape
See also:Republicans and their declared positions on Donald Trump

This page tracked Republican lawmakers who openly declared their opposition to Trump in 2016.

Opposition

A gray background indicates that the senator or representative was identified as vulnerable going into the2016 election by Ballotpedia.More information about Ballotpedia'sbattleground races and races to watch can be foundhere.
An (*) indicates that the member of Congress did not attend theRepublican National Convention July 18-21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Members of Congress who did not endorse or vote for Trump
NameStateFirst electedDateStatement
Rep.Justin AmashMichigan's 3rd Congressional District2010February 26, 2016According toReason.com, Amash said, "Donald Trump, on the other hand, is genuinely terrifying and 'should go back to The Apprentice.'"[1]
*Rep.Carlos CurbeloFlorida's 26th Congressional District2014February 29, 2016According toThe Wall Street Journal, "Curbelo said he would seek a third-party candidate to support or back a write-in candidate rather than Mr. Trump. On Twitter, Mr. Curbelo said Mr. Trump reminds him most of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez." Curbelo said, "The party may blow up. You’re going to lose the four in 10 who say they’ll never vote for him. It would be tough to support at the national level a Republican Party that has Donald Trump as its leader. This man does things and says things that I teach my six- and three-year-olds not to say. I could never look them in the eye and tell them that I support someone so crass and insulting and offensive to lead the greatest nation in the world."[2]
*Rep.Bob DoldIllinois' 10th Congressional District2014February 22, 2016"For me, it’s personal. [Trump’s] comments about women, his comments about minorities, about Latinos — for me that’s not a guy I would support."[3]
Sen.Susan CollinsMaine1996August 8, 2016“I will not be voting for Donald Trump for president. This is not a decision I make lightly, for I am a lifelong Republican. But Donald Trump does not reflect historical Republican values nor the inclusive approach to governing that is critical to healing the divisions in our country."[4] In May 2016, Collins had qualified her opposition to Trump, saying, "if he’s going to build that wall that he keeps talking about, he’s going to have to mend a lot of fences. ... It will be interesting to see whether he changes his style, he starts acting more presidential, and whether he brings people together. ...I have always supported the Republican nominee for president, and I suspect I would do so this year, but I do want see what Donald Trump does from here on out."[5]
*Sen.Lindsey GrahamSouth Carolina2002May 6, 2016

March 2, 2016		"I absolutely will not support Hillary Clinton for President. She represents the third term of Barack Obama, and our nation cannot afford to continue those failed policies at home or abroad. I also cannot in good conscience support Donald Trump because I do not believe he is a reliable Republican conservative nor has he displayed the judgment and temperament to serve as Commander in Chief."[6]

"We're going to lose. You'll never convince me that Donald Trump is the answer to the problem we have with Hispanics. It will tear the party apart, it will divide conservatism, and we're gonna lose to Hillary Clinton and have the third term of Barack Obama. ... Here's what I want to tell people when we lose to Hillary: I told you that the immigration issue is killing us. We're doubling down on the problem we have with Hispanics. We went from self-deportation to forced deportation. Have you ever heard the statement too big to fail? We're too stubborn to win. So here's what I'm going to say in November when we lose: I told you so."[7]

Rep.Reid RibbleWisconsin's 8th Congressional District2010December 11, 2015"I am not obligated to support a bad candidate from any party. I will not support Donald Trump for president of the United States, no matter what the circumstances. ... There’s a natural concern, particularly among members of the party in leadership roles: You want to be cautious about stating opinions about Mr. Trump without making statements about Mr. Trump’s supporters. I don’t want to offend anyone that’s supporting Mr. Trump. They’ve got their own reasons for supporting him. I’ve got my reasons for not."[8]
Rep.Scott RigellVirginia's 2nd Congressional District2010August 5, 2016

March 1, 2016		Rigell said that he would vote for Libertarian presidential candidateGary Johnson. “I’ve always said I will not vote for Donald Trump and I will not vote for Hillary Clinton. I’m going to vote for the Libertarian candidate.” Rigell is not seeking reelection.[9]

"Never before have I grabbed a word like catastrophic to make a political point. It’s like pulling a fire alarm; if you do it, there had better be a fire. There is a fire and it’s raging within our Republican party. I am convinced that if Donald Trump becomes our nominee, the harm done to our party would be nothing short of catastrophic. I reject Trump as our nominee based on his judgement, temperament and character, all of which point to a reckless, embarrassing and ultimately dangerous presidency."[10][11]

Sen.Ben SasseNebraska2014May 4, 2016

February 28, 2016		In aFacebook post, Sasse wrote that Americans deserve better than Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump as president. He wrote, "They deserve better. They deserve a Congress that tackles the biggest policy problems facing the nation. And they deserve a president who knows that his or her job is not to 'reign,' but to serve as commander-in-chief and to 'faithfully execute' the laws – not to claim imperial powers to rewrite them with his pen and phone."[12]

"If Donald Trump becomes the Republican nominee, my expectation is that I will look for some third candidate – a conservative option, a Constitutionalist."[13][14]

*Rep.Richard HannaNew York's 22nd Congressional District2010August 2, 2016

March 29, 2016		Hanna was the first member of Congress to publicly declare he would vote for Hillary Clinton. He wrote in an op-ed, "In his latest foray of insults, Mr. Trump has attacked the parents of a slain U.S. soldier. Where do we draw the line? I thought it would have been when he alleged that U.S. Sen. John McCain was not a war hero because he was caught. Or the countless other insults he's proudly lobbed from behind the Republican presidential podium. For me, it is not enough to simply denounce his comments: He is unfit to serve our party and cannot lead this country." Hanna is not seeking reelection.[15]

When asked if he would support Donald Trump or Ted Cruz, Hanna replied, “I’m going to say this without equivocation: No. ... Do you really want these two men, one [Cruz] who said he would turn the Middle East to glass or another [Trump] who thinks it's even rational to try to deport 11 million people, to build a wall and make the Mexicans pay for it?”[16]

*Rep.Ileana Ros-LehtinenFlorida's 27th Congressional District1988May 6, 2016"I will work with whomever is chosen by the American people to serve as president, because I deeply respect the American constitutional system. In this election, I do not support either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton."[17]
*Sen.Mark KirkIllinois2010June 7, 2016


March 2016		“I have spent my life building bridges and tearing down barriers–not building walls. That’s why I find Donald Trump’s belief that an American-born judge of Mexican descent is incapable of fairly presiding over his case is not only dead wrong, it is un-American. As the Presidential campaign progressed, I was hoping the rhetoric would tone down and reflect a campaign that was inclusive, thoughtful and principled. While I oppose the Democratic nominee, Donald Trump’s latest statements, in context with past attacks on Hispanics, women and the disabled like me, make it certain that I cannot and will not support my party’s nominee for President regardless of the political impact on my candidacy or the Republican Party. It is absolutely essential that we are guided by a commander-in-chief with a responsible and proper temperament, discretion and judgment. Our President must be fit to command the most powerful military the world has ever seen, including an arsenal of thousands of nuclear weapons. After much consideration, I have concluded that Donald Trump has not demonstrated the temperament necessary to assume the greatest office in the world.”[18]

Kirk said he "certainly would" support Trump, if he is the party’s nominee.[19]

An (*) indicates that the governor did not attend theRepublican National Convention July 18-21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Governors who will not endorse or vote for Trump
NameStateFirst electedDateStatement
*Gov.Charlie BakerMassachusetts2014March 2, 2016"I’m not going to vote for him [Trump] in November."[20]
*Gov.Bruce RaunerIllinois2014May 6, 2016According toFortune, "[A] member of Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration says the Republican governor will not endorse Donald Trump as the GOP standard-bearer in the November election."[21]
*Gov.John KasichOhio2010June 9, 2016"Why would I feel compelled to support someone whose positions I kind of fundamentally disagree with? ... Mr. Trump called me and said, 'What are you going to do to support me?' and I said, 'We're like two companies. We have a difference vision, a different value system, and a different objective,' So its pretty hard to put that together. ... I've said from the beginning that if somebody came into Ohio and they were a divider, that they couldn't win the state. It's not on me as to how Donald Trump does in Ohio. It's on him. If you're going to insult Hispanics, if you're going to turn off minorities, if you're going to, you know, have a reckless suggestions on foreign policy, that's not good."[22]
*Gov.Larry HoganMaryland2014June 15, 2016

March 24, 2016		“No, I don’t plan to [vote for Trump]. I guess when I get behind the curtain I’ll have to figure it out. Maybe write someone in. I’m not sure.”[23]

According to theAssociated Press, "Hogan doesn’t know who he’d vote for," but he is "not a Trump fan." He also said that Trump "should not represent the party in the general election."[24]

Republicans who have served in Republican presidential administrations and will not endorse Trump
NameBioDateStatement
Donald B. AyerDeputy attorney general under George H.W. BushAugust 8, 2016Ayer cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Robert BlackwillDeputy national security advisor and U.S. ambassador to India under President George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Blackwill was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26] Blackwill also cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him.[25]
Michael ChertoffSecretary of homeland security under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Chertoff cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Jim CicconiSpecial assistant to the president and special assistant to the chief of staff for President Ronald Reagan (1981-1985); Assistant to the president and deputy to the chief of staff for President George H.W. Bush (1989-1990)August 10, 2016Cicconi was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
Eliot A. CohenCounselor of the Department of State under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Cohen cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Michael DonleySecretary of the Air Force and director of Administration and Management in the Office of the Secretary of Defense under George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Donley was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
Eric EdelmanUnder secretary of defense for policy under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Edelman cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Gary EdsonDeputy national security advisor under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Edson cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Doug ElmetsSpokesperson and speechwriter for Ronald ReaganAugust 10, 2016Elmets was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
Scott EvertzDirector of the Office of National AIDS Policy under George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Evertz was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
Richard FalkenrathDeputy homeland security advisor under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Falkenrath cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Richard FontaineAssociate director for Near East Affairs, National Security Council, under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Fontaine cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Jendayi FrazerU.S. ambassador to South Africa and assistant secretary of state for African affairs under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Frazer cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Fred T. Goldberg, Jr.Assistant secretary of the U.S. Treasury for Tax Policy and commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service under George H.W. BushAugust 10, 2016Goldberg was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
Michael GreenSenior director for Asia, National Security Council, under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Green cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
David A. GrossU.S. coordinator for international Communications and Information Policy under George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Gross was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
Brian GundersonChief of staff under Secretary of State Condoleezza RiceAugust 8, 2016Gunderson cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Carlos M. GutierrezU.S. secretary of commerce under George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Gutierrez was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
John HillenAssistant secretary of state for political-military affairs under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Hillen cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Carla HillsU.S. trade representative under George H.W. Bush and secretary of housing and urban development under Gerald FordAugust 8, 2016Hills cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Richard HolwillU.S. Department of State official under Ronald ReaganAugust 10, 2016Holwill was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
Reuben Jeffery, IIIUnder secretary of state for economic energy and agricultural affairs and member of the National Security Council under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Jeffery cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Ted KassingerDeputy secretary of commerce under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Kassinger cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
David KramerAssistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights, and labor under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Kramer cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
James KunderAssistant administrator for Asia and the Near East at USAID under George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Kunder was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
James LangdonChairman of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Langdon cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Frank LavinWhite House political director under Ronald Reagan and U.S. ambassador to Singapore and under secretary of commerce under George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Lavin was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
Mary Beth LongAssistant secretary of state for international security affairs under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Long cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Robert McCallumU.S. ambassador to Australia under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016McCallum cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Alberto MoraGeneral counsel of the Navy under George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Mora was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
Connie MorellaU.S. ambassador to the OECD under George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Morella was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
John NegroponteDeputy national security advisor under Ronald Reagan and director of national intelligence and deputy secretary of state under George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Negroponte was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26] Negroponte also cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him.[25]
Henry M. Paulson, Jr.U.S. secretary of the treasury under George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Paulson was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
William K. ReillyEPA administrator under George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Reilly was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
Tom RidgeSecretary of homeland security under George W. Bush and former Republican governor of PennsylvaniaAugust 8, 2016Ridge cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
William RuckelshausEPA administrator under Ronald Reagan and Richard NixonAugust 10, 2016Ruckelshaus was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
William SanchezSpecial counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice under George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Sanchez was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
Brent ScowcroftNational security advisor to Gerald Ford and George H.W. BushAugust 10, 2016Scowcroft was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
William H. Taft, IVDeputy secretary of defense under Ronald Reagan and ambassador to NATO under George H.W. BushAugust 8, 2016Taft cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Shirin Tahir-KheliSpecial assistant under President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's ambassadorAugust 10, 2016Tahir-Kheli was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26] Tahir-Kheli also cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him.[25]
Pete TeeleyPress secretary under (V.P.) George H.W. Bush and ambassador to Canada and U.S. representative to UNICEF under (President) George H.W. BushAugust 10, 2016Teeley was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
Daniel TwiningState Department policy planning staff under President George W. Bush and foreign policy advisor to Senator John McCainAugust 10, 2016Twining was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26]
Kenneth WainsteinAssistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism and assistant attorney general for national security under George W. BushAugust 8, 2016Wainstein cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him. The letter stated that Trump “fundamentally...lacks the character, values, and experience to be President." They continued, “He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. ... None of us will vote for Donald Trump.”[25]
Matthew WaxmanDeputy assistant secretary of defense and member of the National Security Council under President George W. BushAugust 10, 2016Waxman was listed on the website of Together for America, a group focused on leading the Clinton campaign's "recruitment and outreach to the growing number of Republicans and Independents who are stepping forward to endorse Hillary Clinton for president.”[26] Waxman also cosigned a letter authored by fifty Republican senior national security officials criticizing Donald Trump and saying they will not vote for him.[25]
Paul WolfowitzDeputy secretary of defense under President George W. BushAugust 26, 2016"The only way you can be comfortable about Trump's foreign policy, is to think he doesn't really mean anything he says. That's a pretty uncomfortable place to be in. Our security depends on having good relationships with our allies. Trump mainly shows contempt for them. And he seems to be unconcerned about the Russian aggression in Ukraine. By doing this he tells them that they can go ahead and do what they are doing. That is dangerous. ... I wish there were somebody I could be comfortable voting for. I might have to vote for Hillary Clinton, even though I have big reservations about her."[27]

Qualified opposition

The following members of Congress opposed Donald Trump as the Republican nominee for president, but they said Trump could win them over if he clarified or changed his views on a variety of issues.
A gray background indicates that the senator or representative was identified as vulnerable going into the2016 election by Ballotpedia.More information about Ballotpedia'sbattleground races and races to watch can be foundhere.
An (*) indicates that the senator or representative did not attend theRepublican National Convention July 18-21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Members of Congress who offered statements of qualified opposition to Trump
NameStateFirst electedDateStatement
*Sen.Dean HellerNevada2011May 4, 2016"I vehemently oppose our nominee and some of the comments and issues he brought up during the campaign. Things that he’s said about women and the Hispanic community across the West.” When asked if he would vote for Trump, Heller said, “No, but what I’m committing to is voting against Hillary Clinton.” According toBloomberg, Heller also said "that voters in Nevada have the option of voting for 'none of the above.'"[28]
Rep.Louie GohmertTexas' 1st Congressional District2004May 4, 2016"You've got to stop things that are inappropriate, and then you've got to apologize for things you've done in the past that are inappropriate, and then he has a great shot at being president."[29]
Rep.Ann WagnerMissouri's 2nd Congressional District2002May 5, 2016“First and foremost, I have absolutely no intention of supporting Hillary Clinton – not now, not ever. I am kind of like all voters. The candidate who is running for public office has to earn my vote, and Donald Trump has not earned my vote. We have got 150 days (before the election). We will see. But he is going to have to earn my vote and prove that he is capable of stepping up to the leadership position of being the nominee of our party. I am going to take a thoughtful approach on this.” When asked how Trump could earn her support, she said, “Actually put real policies and issues out there that line up with my conservative principles. And I have yet to see that on policy. And, quite frankly, I believe in calling people to their highest and best, not their lowest and least. And Donald Trump’s slurs and attacks, not only do I find them not presidential, I just don’t even find them suitable in society."[30]
*Rep.John KatkoNew York's 24th Congressional District2014May 5, 2016"Any candidate has to earn my vote, including Donald Trump. He has a lot of work to do in that regard. I'm concerned with some of the comments he's made, and with the general tone that he's taken." Katko added that he will not support Hillary Clinton (D) for president.[31]
*Rep.Barbara ComstockVirginia's 10th Congressional District2014May 6, 2016“I can’t support Hillary Clinton, but I’m like any voter, a candidate has to earn my vote, and at this time Donald Trump has not done so. We’re going to watch the process. I’ve expressed my concerns before.”[32]
*Rep.Mike CoffmanColorado's 6th Congressional District2008May 6, 2016"Both Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump have tapped into a legitimate anger about the failures of Washington but instead of running a campaign built on a positive vision for overcoming these failures, Donald Trump has conducted a polarizing and divisive campaign. Hillary Clinton is a non-starter and lacks the integrity to lead this nation but Trump has a long way to go to earn the support of many - me included."[33]
*Rep.Will HurdTexas' 23rd Congressional District2014May 6, 2016“Until the presumptive nominee shows he can respect women and minorities and presents a clear plan to protect our homeland, I am going to reserve my endorsement. I hope in the next seven months he can show this because I am not supporting Hillary Clinton.”[34]
Rep.Bill FloresTexas' 17th Congressional District2010June 8, 2016"I don't endorse people that bash judges based on his ethnic heritage. ... Mr. Trump needs to show how he will address the critical issues on the minds of Americans: national security and economic opportunity for hardworking American families. Americans need to see more vision and less trash talk. ... I was incredibly angry to see Mr. Trump question a judge’s motives because of his ethnicity," he added. "Like tens of millions of Americans, I will not vote for Hillary Clinton and desire to vote for a bold, conservative leader. Mr. Trump can be that leader, and we are ready to help him when he focuses on vision instead of inappropriate attacks.”[35]
Rep.Jeff FlakeArizona2012June 12, 2016"I hope that a number of us at least will withhold endorsement. I've not endorsed, until we see. It's not a comfortable position to not support your nominee of the party. None of us want to be in this position. But there are certain things that you can't do as a candidate. And some of the things he's done I think are beyond the pale.”[36]
Sen.Ted CruzTexas2012July 22, 2016"I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father."[37]
*Rep.Kay GrangerTexas' 12th Congressional District1996May 13, 2016“I am disappointed. I think there were better candidates for our nominee. There is also a great deal of work needed to heal the divisions caused by this campaign. I hope that healing can happen. I have reservations, not for him as the nominee but how that affects some members and other candidates. . . . I’m not endorsing at this point. I endorsed Jeb Bush. I’m not going to endorse again.”[38]
*Rep.Mac ThornberryTexas' 13th Congressional District1994June 2, 2016"If you endorse somebody, it's like a stamp of approval and embracing them. I'm not comfortable doing that with him based on a number of reasons." He added that he would not vote for Hillary Clinton.[39]

The following governors currently oppose Donald Trump as the Republican nominee for president, but they have said Trump could win them over if he clarifies or changes his views on a variety of issues.
An (*) indicates that the senator or representative did not attend theRepublican National Convention July 18-21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Current governors who offered statements of qualified opposition to Trump
NameStateFirst electedDateStatement
*Gov.Brian SandovalNevada2010June 7, 2016

May 4, 2016		“I support the Republican Party and will continue to help elect strong Republican leaders in Nevada but at this time I cannot say I will definitely vote for Mr. Trump.”[40]


According to theLas Vegas Sun, Sandoval said that “he plans to vote for Trump, though he added that ‘it is no secret that we do not agree on every issue.’” Sandoval also said, “[T]he Democratic nominee is simply not an option.”[41]

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑Reason.com, "Amash Says Cruz Isn't a Libertarian, Endorses Him, Wishes Trump Would 'Go Back to The Apprentice,'" accessed March 4, 2016
  2. ↑The Wall Street Journal, "Republican Divide About Trump Grows," accessed March 2, 2016
  3. ↑The Washington Post, "House Republicans could be hurt by strong downdraft from Donald Trump if he wins presidential nod," accessed March 4, 2016
  4. ↑The Washington Post, "GOP senator Susan Collins: Why I cannot support Trump," August 8, 2016
  5. ↑BuzzFeed, "Susan Collins: I’ll Be Able To Back Trump If He Stops 'Gratuitous Personal Insults,'" accessed May 6, 2016
  6. ↑Facebook, "Lindsey Graham, accessed May 6, 2016
  7. ↑CBS News, "Lindsey Graham: "We're gonna lose to Hillary Clinton" with Donald Trump," accessed March 2, 2016
  8. ↑Journal Sentinel, "An anti-Trump Republican who isn't shy about it," accessed March 4, 2016
  9. ↑The New York Times, "Congressman Backs Libertarian Presidential Candidate in Campaign First," accessed August 7, 2016
  10. ↑The Hill, "GOP rep: 'I will not support Trump'," accessed March 2, 2016
  11. ↑Wavy.com, "Congressman Rigell denounces Donald Trump in letter," accessed March 2, 2016
  12. ↑Facebook, "Ben Sasse," accessed May 6, 2016
  13. ↑U.S. News & World Report, "Republicans Vow to Oppose Trump in November," accessed March 2, 2016
  14. ↑Facebook, " accessed March 2, 2016
  15. ↑Syracuse.com, "GOP Rep. Richard Hanna: I'll vote for Clinton; first House member to cross party line," accessed August 4, 2016
  16. ↑The Hill, "GOP lawmaker: I wouldn't vote for Cruz or Trump in November," accessed March 30, 2016
  17. ↑Miami Herald, "Miami congresswoman confirms she won't vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton," accessed May 7, 2016
  18. ↑Chicago Sun Times, "Sen. Mark Kirk withdraws support for Trump," accessed June 7, 2016
  19. ↑Chicago Tribune, "Sen. Mark Kirk, others to skip GOP national convention — and Trump circus," accessed May 11, 2016
  20. ↑Boston Globe, "Charlie Baker won’t vote for Donald Trump in November," accessed March 2, 2016
  21. ↑Fortune, "Midwestern Governors Are Divided on Their Support of Trump," accessed May 6, 2016
  22. ↑CNN, "Kasich on Trump endorsement: 'Why would I?'," accessed July 22, 2016
  23. ↑The Hill, "GOP gov says he won't vote for Trump," accessed July 23, 2016
  24. ↑Politico, "Maryland’s Republican governor won’t promise to vote for Trump in November," accessed March 25, 2016
  25. ↑25.0025.0125.0225.0325.0425.0525.0625.0725.0825.0925.1025.1125.1225.1325.1425.1525.1625.1725.1825.1925.2025.2125.2225.2325.24The New York Times, "A Letter From G.O.P. National Security Officials Opposing Donald Trump," August 8, 2016
  26. ↑26.0026.0126.0226.0326.0426.0526.0626.0726.0826.0926.1026.1126.1226.1326.1426.1526.1626.1726.1826.1926.2026.2126.22Together for America, "Leaders," accessed August 12, 2016
  27. ↑Der Spiegel, "Republicans Against Trump: Bush Advisor Wolfowitz Says He'll Likely Vote for Clinton," August 26, 2016
  28. ↑Bloomberg, "Trump's Triumph Leaves Many Republicans at a Loss for Words," accessed May 6, 2016
  29. ↑Texas Tribune, "Texas GOP Starts to Rally Behind Trump as Nominee," accessed May 9, 2016
  30. ↑St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "Republican Rep. Ann Wagner says Trump, with 'slurs and attacks,' has not earned her support," accessed May 5, 2016
  31. ↑Syracuse.com, "Rep. John Katko: Donald Trump has to earn my vote," accessed May 9, 2016
  32. ↑Richmond.com, "GOP Rep. Comstock says Trump has not earned her support," accessed May 9, 2016
  33. ↑TheDenverChannel.com, "Endorsements are lukewarm for Donald Trump here in Colorado," accessed May 10, 2016
  34. ↑The Dallas Morning News, "Rep. Will Hurd keeping distance from Donald Trump, pushing back against Pete Gallego attack ads," accessed May 11, 2016
  35. ↑Texas Tribune, "Texas GOP Congressman Declines to Endorse Trump," accessed July 22, 2016
  36. ↑Politico, "Sen. Flake urges Republicans to withhold Trump endorsement," June 12, 2016
  37. ↑CNN, "Defiant Ted Cruz stands by refusal to endorse Trump after being booed during convention speech," accessed July 23, 2016
  38. ↑McClatchyDC, "What Fort Worth-area lawmakers think of Donald Trump," accessed July 23, 2016
  39. ↑Times Record News, "Thornberry addresses defense spending bill, other topics," accessed July 23, 2016
  40. ↑Las Vegas Review Journal, "Sandoval says his vote for Trump not absolute after remarks about judge," accessed July 22, 2016
  41. ↑Las Vegas Sun, "Sandoval, other top Nevada Republicans plan to vote for Trump," accessed May 6, 2016
v • e
Donald Trump
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Business career
Political career and donations
Trump and the media
Campaign staff
Chief executive:Steve Bannon • Campaign manager:Kellyanne Conway • Deputy campaign manager:David Bossie • National spokesperson:Katrina Pierson • Co-chair:Sam Clovis • Senior advisor:Michael Biundo
On the issues