Cassidy Betrays Trump Again After Endorsement

Louisiana senator's history of voting with Democrats and criticizing the former president comes to light.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:39am

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U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) has a long history of voting with liberal Democrats and criticizing former President Donald Trump, despite publicly claiming to support the president. Cassidy was one of only seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial in 2021. After Trump endorsed Cassidy's opponent, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, in the upcoming 2026 Senate race, Cassidy has once again shown his true political colors by joining other Trump-hating Republicans in calling for an investigation into the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis.

Why it matters

Cassidy's actions highlight the ongoing divide within the Republican Party, with some members like Cassidy aligning more closely with Democrats on key issues. This could have significant implications for the party's ability to unite and effectively challenge the Biden administration's policies. Additionally, Cassidy's betrayal of Trump could jeopardize his political future in Louisiana, a deeply Republican state.

The details

Despite publicly supporting Trump during the 2020 election, Cassidy has consistently voted with liberal Democrats on key issues, including supporting the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Cassidy also entertained the possibility of running as a third-party candidate in 2024 to prevent Trump from winning the presidency again. After Trump's endorsement of Letlow, Cassidy has once again shown his true colors by joining other Trump-critical Republicans in calling for an investigation into ICE agents in Minneapolis, where protests and violence have erupted following recent incidents.

  • In 2021, Cassidy was one of only seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial.
  • In 2020, Trump carried Louisiana with 59% of the vote, and his endorsement helped Cassidy win re-election.
  • On January 17, 2026, Trump officially endorsed Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-LA) in the upcoming U.S. Senate race against Cassidy.

The players

Bill Cassidy

U.S. Senator from Louisiana who has a history of voting with liberal Democrats and criticizing former President Donald Trump, despite publicly claiming to support the president.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who has endorsed Cassidy's opponent, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, in the upcoming 2026 Senate race.

Julia Letlow

U.S. Congresswoman from Louisiana who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2026 Senate race against Cassidy.

Tim Walz

Governor of Minnesota who has been criticized for his handling of protests and violence in Minneapolis, where recent incidents involving ICE agents have occurred.

Lisa Murkowski

U.S. Senator from Alaska who has joined Cassidy in calling for an investigation into the actions of ICE agents in Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“The events in Minneapolis are incredibly disturbing. The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake. There must be a full joint federal and state investigation. We can trust the American people with the truth.”

— Bill Cassidy, U.S. Senator (Twitter)

What’s next

President Trump has the authority to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy the military to restore order in Minneapolis, where protests and violence have erupted following recent incidents involving ICE agents.

The takeaway

Cassidy's actions highlight the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party, with some members aligning more closely with Democrats on key issues. This could have significant implications for the party's ability to unite and effectively challenge the Biden administration's policies. Additionally, Cassidy's betrayal of Trump could jeopardize his political future in Louisiana, a deeply Republican state.