Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) has advice for the White House after Republicans’ historic midterm losses: don’t change a thing. Critics across the political spectrum weren’t buying it.
“Congratulations to the new Chief of Staff, @StephenM,” Crenshaw wrote on X Friday, welcoming Stephen Miller after Trump named him to replace Susie Wiles.
“Double down on the agenda. Too many people are demanding a change to tough policies because they were unpopular in the midterms. That’s foolish and cowardly,” Crenshaw continued.
“The short term unpopularity of a policy does not make the policy wrong. The President’s priority should be long term benefits (like an Iran without a nuke), not short term popularity.”
The post has drawn more than 1 million views and plenty of ridicule.
“Dan is auditioning for SECDEF. So transparent,” wrote former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL). That’s a reference to growing speculation that Pete Hegseth could be on his way out at the Pentagon.
His wife, Sofia Kinzinger, agreed. “This guy is literally auditioning to be the next Secretary of Defense in real time,” she wrote. “Because that’s how easy it is to manipulate this administration. You just tell them what they want to hear.”
“Good advice if you want the next Dem president to have a 60 seat senate majority,” wrote The Bulwark’s Tim Miller.
Journalist Jemele Hill wrote: “Yes, keep doing exactly this. Brilliant strategy.”
Sarah Matthews, a former Trump White House deputy press secretary, wrote: “Dan saw Mississippi flip blue and said, ‘Hmm let’s see if we can get Oklahoma next.’”
Veterans For Responsible Leadership accused Crenshaw of trying “to help make Texas a fully blue state in 2028.”
“Yes please double down on the most unpopular agenda in our lifetimes,” the group wrote. “It will ensure Texas has two Democratic Senators and will help elect a Democratic President to be inaugurated on January 20, 2029.”
Crenshaw didn’t get much love from the MAGA right either.
“I think it’s funny that Dan’s giving people career advice,” wrote Townhall columnist Kurt Schlichter.
One prominent voice did take his side. John Strand, a Jan. 6 defendant pardoned by Trump, wrote: “For the second time this week, Dan Crenshaw is right on target. Make of that what you will.” He urged Trump to “TRIPLE down on the MAGA agenda,” including mass deportations.