A political sting orchestrated by House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the Republican Party, exposing three GOP lawmakers branded as RINOs—Republicans in Name Only—for allegedly undermining the party’s agenda. The trio, identified in conservative circles as Senators Mitt Romney, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski, now face intense backlash from Trump’s base and party loyalists. Social media posts on X and reports from outlets like The Federalist Wire claim the setup was a deliberate test of loyalty, with Johnson and Trump baiting moderates to reveal their true allegiances. As the GOP consolidates power in 2025, these RINOs are staring down immediate political consequences.
The trap, according to sources, unfolded during recent Senate votes on Trump’s legislative priorities, including a sweeping bill for tax cuts, border security, and energy policy. Johnson, backed by Trump, pushed a hardline “America First” package, knowing it would force moderates to either align or break ranks. Romney, Collins, and Murkowski reportedly hesitated, with Collins and Murkowski voting against key provisions, citing concerns over fiscal deficits and border policy extremism. Romney, meanwhile, abstained, drawing ire for his perceived fence-sitting. X posts erupted, with users like @JCConradson labeling them “traitors” who “fell right into Trump’s trap.” The sentiment reflects a broader conservative push to purge the party of perceived disloyalty.
The fallout has been swift. Trump, in a Truth Social post, blasted the trio as “weak RINOs” who “betrayed the American people.” He hinted at primary challenges for all three, a threat echoed by conservative activists on X who vowed to fund MAGA candidates in their states. Murkowski and Collins, already facing reelection scrutiny in 2026, risk losing party support, while Romney’s legacy as a GOP elder statesman is further tarnished. The Federalist Wire reported that grassroots groups are organizing boycotts of their campaign events, and some X users have called for their immediate expulsion from the party, though no formal mechanism exists.
Critics of the setup, including some moderate Republicans, argue it risks alienating swing voters and fracturing the party’s Senate majority. An X post from a self-described “pragmatic conservative” warned, “Chasing out moderates like Collins will cost us seats in blue states.” Democrats, seizing the moment, have mocked the GOP’s infighting, with Senate Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries tweeting, “Trump’s loyalty tests are tearing the GOP apart.” Yet, Johnson and Trump appear undeterred, with the Speaker vowing to prioritize “true conservatives” in future votes, per a CNN report.
The episode underscores Trump’s iron grip on the GOP and Johnson’s role as his enforcer. By exposing the RINOs, they’ve rallied their base but deepened party divisions. As the 2026 midterms loom, the consequences for Romney, Collins, and Murkowski could reshape the GOP’s Senate landscape. For now, the MAGA faithful celebrate the unmasking, with X posts proclaiming, “No more RINOs!” Whether this purge strengthens or weakens the party remains to be seen, but the trap has undeniably redrawn battle lines within the Republican ranks.
