After an interview with CNN’s Manu Raju, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska did not rule out the possibility of becoming an independent and expressed regret that the Republican Party is becoming increasingly aligned with former President Donald Trump. She is one of the few GOP senators who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial in 2021 and has been a vocal critic of his actions since then.
During the interview, Murkowski acknowledged that she is navigating through “interesting political times” and did not make any definitive statements about remaining a member of the Republican Party. However, she did express disappointment in the direction the party is heading, stating that she cannot support a nominee like Trump. This could be interpreted as a possible hint at leaving the GOP.
When Raju asked directly if Murkowski would be changing her party affiliation, she responded that she is “very independent minded.” She also added that she regrets the fact that the Republican Party seems to be increasingly becoming a party of Trump, indicating her disapproval of the former president’s influence on the party. This could suggest that Murkowski may be considering leaving the GOP and becoming an independent.
Murkowski was one of the two GOP senators to endorse former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley for president before she dropped out of the primary race in 2022. This further highlights her willingness to break away from the party line and support candidates outside of the GOP. It also shows that Murkowski is not afraid to go against Trump, as Haley was one of his primary opponents during the 2016 presidential campaign.
In the 2022 Alaska Senate election, Murkowski defeated Trump-backed Republican Kelly Tshibaka. This further solidifies her position as a moderate and independent-minded senator who is not afraid to stand up to Trump. It also serves as a reminder that she has a strong following in her home state and is not solely reliant on support from the national Republican Party.
During Jackson’s confirmation to the Supreme Court, Murkowski was one of only three Republicans to support her nomination. This further highlights her willingness to break away from the party and support candidates that align with her own beliefs and principles. It also shows that Murkowski is not afraid to stand up to Trump, as he opposed Jackson’s nomination.
In response to Trump’s recent comments calling January 6 prisoners “hostages” and “patriots,” Murkowski stated that it cannot be defended. She also made it clear that she believes the attack on the Capitol cannot be justified in any way and that those who stormed the building were attempting to interfere with the certification of the election, something that cannot be condoned.
Overall, Murkowski’s interview with CNN highlights her independent-mindedness and willingness to go against the party line, particularly when it comes to Trump. Her statements could also be interpreted as a possible hint at leaving the Republican Party and becoming an independent, although she did not make any definitive statements.
As one of the few moderate Republicans in the Senate, Murkowski’s words and actions will continue to be closely watched as the GOP grapples with its identity and future direction.
