President Donald Trump unleashed a blistering attack on Indiana’s Republican leadership Sunday following the collapse of the state’s congressional redistricting effort.
The plan, which could have added two Republican seats to the U.S. House, fell apart when party leaders acknowledged they lacked the votes to proceed.
The redistricting initiative died Friday after Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray conceded that Republicans had not secured sufficient support within their own caucus. The state Senate canceled its scheduled Dec. 1 meeting in response to the failure.
Trump named Bray and Sen. Greg Goode specifically in his criticism, labeling them “RINO Senators” on Truth Social. The president expressed frustration that Indiana’s inaction could cost Republicans critical congressional seats.
“Very disappointed in Indiana State Senate Republicans, led by RINO Senators Rod Bray and Greg Goode, for not wanting to redistrict their State, allowing the United States Congress to perhaps gain two more Republican seats,” Trump posted on his social media platform.
The president drew comparisons to Democratic redistricting efforts across the country. He argued that other Republican-controlled states had successfully redrawn their maps and suggested Indiana’s hesitation placed the GOP’s House majority at risk.
“The Democrats have done redistricting for years, often illegally, and all other appropriate Republican States have done it,” he stated.
“Because of these two politically correct type ‘gentlemen,’ and a few others, they could be depriving Republicans of a Majority in the House, A VERY BIG DEAL!”
Hours after Trump’s post singled out Goode by name, the senator became the victim of a swatting incident at his Vigo County residence. Swatting involves making false emergency calls designed to trigger a heavy police response at a target’s location.
Goode released a statement confirming the incident and thanking law enforcement for their professional response, Trending Politics reported.
“Vigo County sheriff’s deputies responded to the incident under the impression of a domestic violence emergency. The deputies professionally fulfilled their duty,” Goode said.
The senator acknowledged the concerning political climate surrounding the incident. “While this entire incident is unfortunate and reflective of the volatile nature of our current political environment, I give thanks to God that my family and I are ok,” he stated.
Trump’s pressure on Republican states to pursue aggressive redistricting comes as Democratic-controlled states advance their own map changes. The president specifically criticized California’s recent approval of a constitutional amendment to add five congressional seats.
The president accused weak Republicans of allowing Democrats to implement policies harmful to the country. He complained that “no one” challenged California’s redistricting moves while Republicans faced obstacles in red states.
Trump also targeted Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, despite their typically close relationship. Braun had spent months lobbying state lawmakers and ultimately called a special legislative session to force action on redistricting.
“Also, a friend of mine, Governor Mike Braun, perhaps, is not working the way he should to get the necessary Votes. Considering that Mike wouldn’t be Governor without me (Not even close!), is disappointing!” Trump wrote.
The president concluded his statement by threatening primary challenges against Republicans who oppose redistricting efforts. He promised to release additional names of opposing senators later in the day.
“Indiana is a State with strong, smart, and patriotic people. They want us to see our Country WIN, and want to, ‘MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!’ Senators Bray, Goode, and the others to be released to the public later this afternoon, should DO THEIR JOB, AND DO IT NOW! If not, let’s get them out of office, ASAP,” Trump declared.
