Rep. Mike Lawler, representing New York’s 17th District, stated on Sunday that his allegiance lies with his constituents, not former President Donald Trump. When asked on ABC’s “This Week” whether he would pledge allegiance to Trump, Lawler responded, “I pledge my allegiance to my constituents, which I always have.”
Lawler, who is up for reelection in November against Democrat Cait Conley, made these remarks following Trump’s request at a recent Republican convention for attendees to raise their hands and pledge allegiance to him as “the greatest president in the history of the United States.” Lawler noted that he and Trump do not always agree, emphasizing that this is acceptable.
His district, which voted for Kamala Harris over Trump in the 2020 presidential election, has shown recent polling suggesting Democrats may have an advantage in the upcoming midterm House of Representatives elections. A Quinnipiac University National Poll indicated voters favor Democrats to control the House by 11 points.
Lawler also addressed Trump’s recent proposal to offer $5,000 dividends to American adults if the Republican party wins in November. While Lawler did not express opposition to the idea of putting money back into the pockets of Americans, he questioned the financial feasibility. “The question is, how do you pay for it?” Lawler stated.
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated that Trump’s dividend proposal would cost over $1.2 trillion, exceeding the combined cost of the three COVID-era stimulus payments. Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have criticized the plan as an attempt to “bribe the American people for their votes.” Republican figures, such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Maine Sen. Susan Collins, have also expressed skepticism, with Collins calling the proposal “extraordinarily costly” and suggesting it appeared politically motivated.