Major Controversies Surrounding Ben Sasse: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Ben Sasse—discover key moments of controversy.

Benjamin Sasse is an American politician and former academic administrator. He served as a Republican U.S. Senator for Nebraska from 2015 to 2023. Following his Senate tenure, he became the president of the University of Florida in 2023, serving until 2024.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2016: Announcement against supporting Trump

In 2016, Sasse announced he would not support Trump if he became the Republican nominee, questioning Trump's commitment to the Constitution and suggesting he might leave the Republican Party.

September 2017: Considering leaving the GOP

In September 2017, Sasse expressed he thought about leaving the GOP "every morning" and called Trump a "megalomaniac strongman", criticizing his tariffs and trade war with China.

March 2018: Criticism of Trump's congratulations to Putin

In March 2018, Sasse criticized Trump for congratulating Vladimir Putin on his election victory, stating that it weakened the U.S. and strengthened a tyrant.

December 1, 2018: Meng Wanzhou Arrested

On December 1, 2018, Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada at the request of U.S. authorities, leading Ben Sasse to comment on China's undermining of U.S. national security interests.

2018: Criticism from Nebraska Republicans

In 2018, Sasse's suggestion of a third-party candidate drew criticism from Nebraska Republican politicians, including State Senators Bob Krist and Beau McCoy, and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer.

August 2020: Conflict with Trump over executive order

In August 2020, Sasse criticized Trump's executive order authorizing stimulus, leading Trump to call Sasse a RINO and accuse him of going rogue.

October 2020: Critical remarks at campaign town hall

In October 2020, Sasse criticized Trump at a town hall, citing concerns about Trump's treatment of evangelicals, his family's business dealings, and his flirtation with white supremacists.

December 2020: Condemnation of Trump's pardons

In December 2020, Sasse condemned Trump's pardons of people connected to himself, calling it "rotten to the core."

2020: Acknowledged Biden's win

In 2020, Sasse acknowledged Joe Biden's win in the presidential election and condemned Trump's efforts to overturn the results. He criticized Senator Hawley's plan to challenge the results during Congress's count of the electoral votes.

2020: Attack on China over COVID-19

In 2020, Sasse delivered a commencement speech where he attacked China over the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing criticism from Democratic opponents and leading to a disavowal from the school board. A spokesperson defended Sasse's remarks.

January 6, 2021: Storming of the U.S. Capitol

On January 6, 2021, Ben Sasse was participating in the certification of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count when Donald Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. Sasse responded by holding Trump responsible for the attack.

February 13, 2021: Voted to Convict Trump

On February 13, 2021, Ben Sasse was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Donald Trump of incitement of insurrection during his second impeachment trial, a controversial decision.

February 2021: Censure by Lincoln County Republican Party

In February 2021, the Lincoln County Republican Party censured Sasse for his comments about Trump's impeachment. Sasse responded by stating that "Politics isn't about the weird worship of one dude."