Rep. Buck talks about retirement: ‘Let’s be honest’ for GOP

Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., announced his retirement from Congress five months ago, but in a recent interview, he brought his frustrations with the GOP to light again.

When he announced his retirement in November, Buck expressed his disappointment in “too many Republican leaders lying to America.” During an interview with “NewsNation,” he reiterated this sentiment, as reported by “The Hill” on Sunday.

“We’re at a point in American politics where I refuse to lie for my presidential candidate or party,” Buck stated. “I’m saddened by others in my party who believe that winning the White House justifies any deceit.”

Buck has been vocal in opposing Republicans who deny election results. He opposed Rep. Jim Jordan’s bid for House speaker because Jordan did not accept the 2020 election results and supported Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn them.

Though Buck hasn’t changed, he noted that the political landscape around him has significantly shifted.

“From a time when the Tea Party stood for conservative and constitutional principles, we’ve shifted to a time where populist ideals dominate the GOP, promoting what I believe are risky ideas,” he shared with NewsNation.

On the day Buck announced his retirement, Trump criticized him as “weak and ineffective.”

“Good news for the Country! Congressman Ken Buck of Colorado, a weak and ineffective Super RINO if there ever was one, announced today that he won’t be running again, which is a great thing for the Republican Party. He knew long ago he could never win against MAGA …” Trump posted on Truth Social on Nov. 1.

Buck, aware of this criticism, mentioned, “The MAGA crowd ran a primary against me last time. I won 75-25. I’m not worried about a primary or general election loss. The timing is right,” he affirmed.