Ben Sasse
Republican Congress
Summary
Former Republican Senator who denounced efforts to overturn the 2020 election as a dangerous ploy, called colleagues 'institutional arsonists,' and voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial.
In Their Own Words
Key Statements
“
The president and his allies are playing with fire... But the president doesn’t and neither do the institutional arsonist members of Congress who will object to the Electoral College vote.
Facebook post on objections to Electoral College certification
“
Adults don't point a loaded gun at the heart of legitimate self-government.
Quoted from his Facebook post
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I agree with that. President Trump violated his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Senate floor remarks during impeachment trial
Timeline
January 3, 2015
Became U.S. Senator from Nebraska
Entered Senate
2016
Refused to endorse Trump
Wrote in Mike Pence for president
December 31, 2020
Condemned effort to overturn the 2020 election
Called objectors 'institutional arsonists'
February 13, 2021
Voted to convict Trump in second impeachment
One of seven Republicans to vote for conviction
January 3, 2023
Left Senate
Became University of Florida president in 2023
July 31, 2024
Resigned as University of Florida president
Stepped down from the role
Why This Matters
Credibility & Background
Positions Held
- U.S. Senator from Nebraska (2015-2023)
- President, University of Florida (2023-2024)
- President, Midland University (2010-2015)
Analysis
Reasons for Opposition
- 01 Said efforts to overturn the 2020 election were 'playing with fire'
- 02 Called objecting members of Congress 'institutional arsonists'
- 03 Said Trump violated his oath of office
Documentation
Sources
News December 31, 2020
Sasse slams 'institutional arsonist members of Congress' who plan Electoral College objection
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/sasse-hawley-electoral-college-objection-institutional-arsonist-congress
News January 3, 2021
GOP senators say they will reject election results unless commission is formed
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/election-results-gop-senators-reject-election-unless-commission-formed/
Government February 13, 2021
Congressional Record, Senate (Feb. 13, 2021)
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2021-02-13/html/CREC-2021-02-13-pt1-PgS736.htm
News November 1, 2022
Board of Trustees selects Dr. Ben Sasse as the University of Florida’s 13th president
https://news.ufl.edu/2022/11/ben-sasse-selected-president/
News July 18, 2024
University of Florida President Ben Sasse announces resignation
https://news.ufl.edu/2024/07/sasse-announces-resignation/
Explore the full list of Republican officials, military leaders, and former staff who have spoken out against Trump.