Former President Donald Trump’s attempt to reshape the Republican Party in his image was dealt a blow this week when the Senate Republicans rejected his handpicked candidate for an open seat in his former administration.
In a 55-45 vote, Republican senators blocked the nomination of Elizabeth Heng to be the next deputy administrator of the Small Business Administration. Heng, a former congressional candidate and founder of a political action committee that supports conservative women, was seen as a loyal ally to Trump.
Despite lobbying efforts from Trump himself, as well as his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner, Heng’s nomination was ultimately unsuccessful. The vote was seen as a test of Trump’s influence over the Republican Party, as he seeks to maintain control over key positions and decision-making processes.
The Senate Republicans’ rejection of Heng’s nomination highlights the ongoing power struggle within the GOP, as some members seek to move away from Trump’s brand of politics and establish a more traditional conservative agenda. With the 2022 midterm elections on the horizon, the internal divisions within the party could have significant implications for its future direction and leadership.