A rough night for the GOP nationally and in New Mexico

While no election is won our lost on a single issue, there can be no doubt that the Iran War and the tariffs were at the top of voters’ minds when they delivered a sweeping rebuke to the GOP and President Donald Trump. RGF is not involved in foreign policy, but as a Constitutional matter it is clear that Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress holds the exclusive power to declare war. Restoring Congress to its duty will not be easy, but Congress should not abdicate this power. 

On trade, RGF was much more engaged. We believe that tariffs are taxes and they are paid by Americans. As a process issue they SHOULD also be under the purview of Congress, but President Trump ignored that and the GOP controlled Congress allowed him to. RGF repeatedly signed on to “friend of the court” briefs in opposition to the tariffs (on process) here and here, and won, but Trump essentially circumvented the law to continue to impose his arbitrary and ill-conceived tariffs. In our view there are a FEW circumstances predominantly involving national security (with an eye to China, for example) that might merit tariffs, but attacking Canada and other nations with a compliant but disengaged Congress was a bad move.

Finally, on the national side of things, Trump and the GOP Congress allowed spending to continue to grow rapidly. This trajectory has pushed the annual federal deficit to nearly $2 trillion and driven the U.S. national debt past $40 trillion. Again, when looking at efforts such as DOGE and shutting down federal agencies like the Department of Education, Trump needed Congress to be engaged and supportive however difficult that may have been. It didn’t happen.

In New Mexico the election doesn’t change nearly as much. Deb Haaland will likely move New Mexico further left and the House with a newly-minted Democrat supermajority will be in a position to help her. The Senate is the only stumbling block to a leftist utopia. Electorally speaking, while we have tremendous respect for ALL the GOP candidates that run from Gregg Hull on down, there is little chance of success for GOP candidates in New Mexico when the national picture is so ugly.

Buckle up, it is going to be an interesting two years (at least). RGF remains steadfast in our support for free markets, limited government, and the US Constitution, even when it isn’t particularly popular with some who typically support us. If you would like to help us continue those efforts please donate today.