The Daily Caller’s Mary Rooke argues what most are thinking right now: American voters are growing frustrated with Republican leadership following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
She has warned that “Republicans are wasting their small window of opportunity.”
Calls for action are intensifying, with voters urging GOP lawmakers to deliver on promises made during the 2024 election.
The mandate given to Republicans in November 2024 granted the party control of both chambers of Congress and the Executive Branch.
Rooke writes that supporters now question when their priorities will be addressed, emphasizing that patience with speeches and political posturing has run out.
Vice President JD Vance drew attention Monday during his appearance on The Charlie Kirk Show. Serving as host, Vance said calls for unity with individuals who celebrate political violence are futile, adding that the Trump administration is committed to confronting the far left.
At the same time, Resist the Mainstream reported that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stirred controversy with remarks on the Kate Miller Podcast.
Bondi stated, “There’s free speech and then there’s hate speech, and there is no place, especially now, especially after what happened to Charlie, in our society.”
“We will absolutely target you, go after you, if you are targeting anyone with hate speech. And that’s across the aisle.”
Bondi’s comments sparked criticism from voters who objected to her use of the term “hate speech,” language long associated with left-wing activism.
Bondi released a statement in response to the backlash clarifying her position.
She wrote, “Hate speech that crosses the line into threats of violence is NOT protected by the First Amendment. It’s a crime. For far too long, we’ve watched the radical left normalize threats, call for assassinations, and cheer on political violence. That era is over.”
Despite her clarification, Bondi continued to face criticism from conservatives who argued that her repeated use of the phrase undermines efforts to prosecute far-left organizations and agitators.
Critics maintained that adopting political language from the left risks weakening Republican priorities.
President Donald Trump addressed the issue in the Oval Office on Monday.
CNN reported that he told reporters that he had instructed Bondi to pursue racketeering charges against wealthy donors funding left-wing activist groups.
Trump signaled that prosecuting financiers behind agitators is one part of the administration’s approach. However, Rooke noted that Trump supporters expressed that pursuing financial charges is not enough.
Many voters want these organizations labeled as domestic terrorist groups, a move they argue would more directly confront threats of political violence.
The frustration extends beyond Bondi’s comments.
Voters have expressed disappointment with congressional Republicans who they say are not matching the pace of Trump’s administration.
Rooke noted that despite Republican majorities, the Senate has confirmed only 125 of Trump’s nominees this year, leaving 256 awaiting confirmation. Another 280 positions remain without nominees.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has pledged to use the “nuclear option,” which would allow confirmations of presidential nominees in large groups rather than individually. However, the plan has not yet been implemented, raising questions among voters about Republican leadership’s strategy and urgency.
In the House, Republicans face another test as a government shutdown looms.
Rooke reported that a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through November 20 is under discussion.
The CR includes an additional $58 million requested by Trump for protection of executive and judicial branch officials following Kirk’s assassination.
The president has demanded that the measure be a “clean CR” without Democratic provisions or additional spending unrelated to core functions.
A vote on the measure is expected on September 17 or later in the week.
The House will recess for Rosh Hashanah before returning on September 29, just two days ahead of the deadline.
Kirk’s assassination has reenergized Republican voters, many of whom view the tragedy as a turning point requiring firm action.
They are urging Republicans in Congress to demonstrate their ability to govern decisively.
Supporters say the GOP has a rare opportunity to wield its political power effectively, with both chambers of Congress and the presidency under Republican control.
Many argue that failing to act now would risk squandering the momentum generated by voter support and the renewed urgency following Kirk’s death.
The expectation among voters and Rooke is clear: Republicans must seize the moment, deliver on campaign promises, and demonstrate leadership in a time of national crisis.
