It’s a sign of the political times.
In August Congressman Cline tried to suggest that he differed with President Trump on tariffs– even though he had earlier praised some of Trump’s trade deals involving increased tariffs. He voted NO in Congress on a resolution to terminate tariffs on Canada. And he voted YES on a measure to cede power over tariffs to Trump.
On Monday Cline denied a charge by his Democratic opponent Beth Macy that he is too closely aligned with Trump.
Cline rejected that characterization, saying his record shows he is willing to disagree with the president when he believes it is in the best interest of the district.
“Well, that’s ridiculous,” Cline said. “Just look at the issue of data centers. I don’t support data centers for the 6th District, and that is in contrast to the president’s position.”
Cline said he will continue to prioritize the interests of residents in the district regardless of whether his positions align with the president.
But the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that Cline proudly voted for last year provides huge tax breaks for the construction of data centers.
When it comes to Cline’s actual voting record in Congress, I can find almost no evidence that Cline has ever dared to defy Trump. The most disgraceful example of this occurred on January 6, 2021, when– after thousands of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol– Cline voted as to reject the certified results of the 2020 Presidential elections in Arizona and Pennsylvania, both of which Joe Biden carried. The motions to reject were overwhelmingly defeated, including by some Republicans with more backbone than Cline has ever displayed.
I say almost no evidence because there was one instance where Cline voted NO on a bill that Trump supported. Unfortunately it was a bill to maintain and improve national parks– one of the very few good bills that Trump supported and signed.
