Republican U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski revealed this week that the threat of political retaliation from President Donald Trump is significant enough to make her hesitant to speak out against his tariffs, executive orders, and cuts to federal agencies. “We are all afraid,” Murkowski claimed during a summit of nonprofit and tribal leaders in her home state of Alaska.
“It’s quite a statement. But we are in a time and a place where I certainly have not been here before,” the 67-year-old lawmaker added. “And I’ll tell you, I am oftentimes very anxious myself about using my voice, because retaliation is real. And that’s not right.” Per Reuters, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement: “President Trump’s only retribution is success and historic achievements for the American people.”
Murkowski’s comments, captured in a video posted by the Anchorage Daily News, came Monday in response to a question about what she would say to people fearful of the policy changes being enacted by President Trump and his administration, Reuters noted. One of the few Senate Republicans openly critical of Trump, Murkowski has opposed several of his policies, voted against some of his Cabinet nominees, and supported repealing his tariffs on Canada. She narrowly survived a Trump-endorsed primary challenger three years ago, following her vote—alongside six other Republicans—to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial for the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
I would be afraid also if I didn’t listen to my constituents and voted against the will of the people. She technically was voted out of office and manipulated the system to keep her seat. She should resign.
— Yahwins777 (@Yahwins777) April 17, 2025
Several social media users blasted Murkowski, who is considered a RINO – Republican In Name Only — by the majority of Republican voters. “If you aren’t brave enough to stand on your own convictions… you have no business in office,” wrote one. “Funny that she’s afraid now, but was perfectly fine for the four years we had a dementia ridden clown as President and a shadow government in charge. Gtfo with this nonsense.”
“Why doesn’t she just admit she’s a far left liberal and be done with it? She has every single tell – the hyperbole, the lies, the emotion over logic, being ‘terrified’ of things – she has it all. Just be who you are, lady, and let Alaska decide for real,” said another. Added another user: “So interesting considering the Biden admin, DOJ, FBI etc. were literally arresting people for mean tweets and bullshit charges…. Pearl clutching is so RINO and Democrat bullshit.”