GOP congressman rejects loyalty oath to Trump, but his independence has limits

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Mike Lawler rejected the idea of pledging his allegiance to President Donald Trump during a television interview, saying his loyalty belongs to his constituents.

But the New York Republican faced a different test minutes later when he was repeatedly asked whether he supported Trump's proposed $5,000 dividend, and declined to give a direct yes-or-no answer.

The exchange came as Lawler seeks reelection in New York's competitive 17th Congressional District, one of several Republican-held seats Democrats are targeting ahead of the November midterms.

Mike Lawler rejects Trump loyalty pledge

ABC News' George Stephanopoulos opened the exchange on Sunday, September 13, with a direct question: "Do you pledge your allegiance to Donald Trump?"

"I pledge my allegiance to my constituents, which I always have," Lawler replied.

The congressman pointed to his bipartisan record and said he had worked with lawmakers from both parties.

He also noted his friendship with Democratic Rep Josh Gottheimer and highlighted bipartisan legislation involving artificial intelligence and housing.

Lawler has previously acknowledged that he does not always agree with Trump, including during a recent appearance at the Republican midterm convention.

His district covers parts of the Hudson Valley and includes Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties.

The race has become an important contest in the fight for control of the House.

Then comes Trump's $5,000 promise

Stephanopoulos later asked Lawler whether he supported Trump's proposal to give Americans a $5,000 dividend.

Lawler initially responded by discussing tax cuts and his efforts to raise the state and local tax deduction cap.

When Stephanopoulos repeated the question and called it a "yes-or-no question," Lawler pushed back.

"No, George, it's not a yes-or-no," he said.

Lawler said he supported putting money back into the pockets of working Americans, whether through tax cuts, stimulus payments, or dividends.

He then shifted to the question of funding, asking how such legislation would be paid for while pointing to the country's $40 trillion national debt.

Trump announced the proposed $5,000 payment during the Republican midterm convention. The proposal would require congressional action, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson.