Republican breaks with Trump after primary loss, calls for 'steady, not erratic' leadership

Since the dust settled on Cassidy's primary race, which is now headed to a runoff between Letlow and Louisiana state Treasurer John Fleming, the lawmaker has already dug his heels in against some of Trump's key policy and spending desires.  

In a lengthy post on X, Cassidy wrote of America's future and called for unity. And though he did not explicitly name Trump, his viewpoint on leadership appeared to take a jab at the president.

"At its best, America has renewed itself through leaders who understood that public office is a responsibility, not a performance," Cassidy said. "The American people do not expect perfection from their leaders, but they do expect seriousness." 

"Leaders who are steady, not erratic. Thoughtful, not impulsive," he continued. "Their words should lower the temperature rather than inflame division. Their actions should place the long-term interests of the country above short-term political or personal gain."

When asked about the post, Cassidy told Fox News Digital in a statement, "If trust is destroyed, whether in marriage, business, or politics, it's harder to get things done."

"It is an observation of life," he said. "Conversely, if you want to get things done, build trust."

"It may have cost me my seat, but who cares? I had the privilege of voting to uphold the Constitution," Cassidy said. "Isn't that a great thing?"

The White House, when asked for comment Tuesday on Cassidy's apparent barb toward the president, told Fox News Digital to review the slew of Trump's Truth Social posts about the lawmaker.

Trump celebrated Cassidy's loss in his primary, and painted the lawmaker as being disloyal because of his impeachment vote."Bill Cassidy, after falsely using his 'relationship' with me during his political career, and winning Elections because of it, voted to impeach me on preposterous charges that were fake then, and now, are criminally insane," Trump said. "His disloyalty to the man who got him elected is now a part of legend, and it's nice to see that his political career is OVER!"

And he, like several other Republicans, is outright rejecting the "anti-weaponization" fund, which, after a tense, closed-door meeting last week, has temporarily derailed the GOP's push to fund immigration enforcement for the remainder of Trump's term.

Cassidy, like several of his colleagues, wanted Congress to have a say on the fund.