Former President Donald Trump took to social media to criticize Republican Congressman Ken Buck of Colorado after Buck announced he would not seek reelection next year. Trump, posting on his Truth Social account, accused Buck of seeking employment with major American broadcasters. The announcement from Buck came after he and several colleagues supported the baseless claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, a narrative that still resonates within 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 stated 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, however, has not made any public statements about future employment with a news outlet.
In an interview on MSNBC’s *Andrea Mitchell Reports*, Buck expressed his disappointment with the Republican Party’s reliance on false claims about the 2020 election and the January 6 insurrection. “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. “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, one of the eight Republican lawmakers who voted with Democrats to oust California Rep. Kevin McCarthy from the speakership last month, also voiced his concerns about the lack of “civility” in politics. He cited the need to address major issues such as Medicare, social security, and other policy matters, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the future rather than dwelling on past elections.
Additionally, Buck’s decision to retire came after he voted for newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson, who has been accused of supporting Trump’s efforts to deny the 2020 election result. Buck, despite his criticism of Johnson, stated, “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.”
The retirement announcement from Buck follows a similar decision by fellow GOP lawmaker, Texas Rep. Kay Granger, the longest-serving Republican in the House. Granger emphasized the need for the next generation to step up and represent the people.
Buck’s departure from the political arena marks another shift within the Republican Party, highlighting the ongoing internal struggles as the party grapples with its direction and messaging in the post-Trump era.
