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LOCAL COLUMN

OPINION: Standing up for New Mexico when it matters

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Last week, President Donald Trump published not one, not two, but nine social media posts about changing New Mexico’s name to “New America.” His flippant suggestion is offensive to our history, our culture and our people. But what’s even more disturbing is the gaslighting response from New Mexico House Republicans. 

In a recent op-ed, Minority Leader Gail Armstrong suggests New Mexicans outraged by this proposal were the ones being ridiculous, not the overreaching head of her party. She brushed off Trump’s unhinged posts, as if there are no standards for how our commander in chief should conduct himself, and dedicated a mere two sentences to a half-hearted objection to his proposal. 

It’s convenient that House Republicans’ feeble resistance only appeared on an issue that’s completely out of the president’s control. 

Where were they when Trump gutted healthcare for hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans? When he slashed food benefits for our most vulnerable seniors, veterans, children and families? When he tried to strip away our access to life-saving vaccines? 

Not only did New Mexico House Republicans not fight back against these cruel cuts, they voted directly against our state’s efforts to protect your access to these necessities. 

With the cost of gas, groceries and housing at all-time highs, are House Republicans speaking up about how Trump’s lagging war, failed tariffs, and overall economic mismanagement are putting the squeeze on New Mexican families? Nope.

As his brazen cuts put the safety of our food at risk? As his rogue immigration agents target our communities? As he attacks our voting rights? Zeroes in on destroying Indigenous cultural sites for the benefit of his billionaire friends? Uses our precious water supply for his border wall and our tax dollars for extravagant pet projects? More silence from New Mexico Republicans.   

But the contradictions in Armstrong’s piece don’t end there. After a quick gloss over Trump’s offensive posts, she throws around random accusations. 

House Democrats don’t have to “paint Republicans as fringe extremists,” their votes and unwillingness to stand up to a rogue president show this reality clearly. And unlike our Trump-loving counterparts, we don’t need to distract from the work being done at the Roundhouse. We’re incredibly proud of New Mexico’s nation-leading investments in healthcare, public safety, economic development and cradle-to-career education, as well as our ongoing focus on building systems that work for working families like yours. 

At a time when people all across our state are scared and struggling as a result of Trump’s policies, House Republicans have continued to choose him over the New Mexicans they’re supposed to represent. 

Americans deserve a president who acts with integrity and doesn’t engage in what the House Republicans self-describe as “rage baiting” and “trolling.” And New Mexicans deserve state lawmakers who will stand up to this reckless administration and demand accountability from the U.S. president. 

No amount of distraction and virtue signaling can hide the truth. House Republicans have put their weight behind Trump, who has turned his back on America’s working people. 

If House Republicans really have pride in our state as they claim, they’d stand up for our communities not just when it’s easy or convenient, but when it actually matters. 

Trump and his blind followers can keep their “New America.” Your House Democrats will continue fighting for what matters most to you — the working families of our beautiful state of New Mexico. 

Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque, is the speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives.