A Republican congressman from Ohio is facing backlash after privately criticizing former President Donald Trump’s executive actions. Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH) reportedly expressed concerns over Trump’s cost-cutting measures, sparking accusations of disloyalty from conservatives online.
Balderson Questions Trump’s Executive Orders
During a luncheon with local business leaders hosted by the Westerville Area Chamber, Balderson labeled Trump’s executive orders as “getting out of control,” arguing that Congress—not the president—has the constitutional authority over federal spending.
“Congress has to decide whether or not the Department of Education goes away,” Balderson asserted, according to the Columbus Dispatch. “Not the president, not Elon Musk. Congress decides.”
Although Balderson acknowledged Trump and Musk’s efforts to streamline government agencies, he suggested that not all executive actions had been lawful. “Congress has to do their work,” he told attendees.
Conservative Backlash and Primary Challenge Threats
Balderson’s remarks have sparked outrage among conservatives, with many questioning his loyalty and warning that he may face a primary challenge in 2026.
“I guess he is desperate to retire,” one X user remarked. Prominent MAGA supporter Kate Austin urged conservatives to recruit a strong Republican challenger against Balderson.
GOP Divisions Over Trump’s Spending Cuts
Balderson isn’t the only Republican facing criticism over Trump’s aggressive budget cuts. At a packed town hall in Roswell, Georgia, voters confronted Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) for his stance on Trump’s proposals.
McCormick attempted to defend Trump’s strategy but distanced himself from extreme cuts. “Trump is trying to do more with less, that’s reasonable – what’s not reasonable is taking this chainsaw approach,” he told constituents, prompting groans, according to the Atlanta Constitution-Journal.
Congress Faces a Key Loyalty Test
As House Republicans return to Washington, they will soon face a major test of their commitment to Trump’s economic policies. A crucial spending bill looms, with Trump pushing to extend the debt ceiling by two years and make his 2017 tax cuts permanent. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) now faces the challenge of uniting moderates and fiscal conservatives as Congress prepares for a high-stakes budget showdown.
