Sign up for our daily briefing
Make your busy days simpler with Axios AM/PM. Catch up on what's new and why it matters in just 5 minutes.
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Denver news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Denver
Des Moines news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Des Moines
Minneapolis-St. Paul news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Twin Cities
Tampa Bay news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Tampa Bay
Charlotte news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Charlotte
Photo: Axios on HBO
In an interview with Mike Allen for "Axios on HBO," Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) said he agrees with "most" of President Trump's actions, specifically as it relates to tax and regulatory policy.
The big picture: Romney has been one of few Republicans to consistently critique the president. In recent weeks, Romney condemned Trump's ask of China and Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, over unsubstantiated corruption allegations, calling the move "wrong and appalling."
- Romney has also joined a slew of Republicans in condemning the president's actions in northern Syria. In a Senate floor speech last week, Romney said the decision to abandon the Kurds "will stand as a blood stain in the annals of American history."
What they're saying:
"Well, the president has led the Republican Party. And as the captain of the team, the team has gotten behind the president. I have a different approach, but, you know, most of what the president has done in his first couple of years with regards to tax policy, regulatory policy, most of that I agree with."— Romney to "Axios on HBO"
- Romney also noted: "I vote with the president about — 80% of the time, but I think in some of the things that he has said or done that he has detracted from the mission of a leader in shaping the character of the country in a positive way."
Between the lines: Romney has a unique advantage in going against Trump, as Trump only won Utah with 45.5% of the vote in 2016 — and he's not up for re-election until 2024.
- Republican lawmakers don't often have the same constituency, leaving many to face the president's popularity, which is often higher than their own.