Utah’s incoming senator, John Curtis, is making it clear that he intends to chart his own course in the Senate, refusing to be a mere rubber stamp for President Donald Trump. The 64-year-old Republican, who secured the Senate seat in 2024, is pledging to represent Utah’s interests first, while balancing his support for the president’s agenda with a willingness to push back when necessary.
Curtis, in an interview with ABC News, emphasized his commitment to President Trump’s success, particularly when it comes to issues like economic growth and inflation. “I want to see him succeed, and I’ll be supportive on matters like the economy,” Curtis said. “But that doesn’t mean I won’t disagree with him on certain issues. I’m not here to be a rubber stamp. My responsibility is to Utah, not to any party or president.”
While Curtis has expressed support for many of Trump’s policies, he has also shown a level of independence that suggests he won’t simply fall in line. For example, Curtis was one of several GOP senators who raised concerns about Trump’s pick of Rep. Matt Gaetz for U.S. Attorney General. He also voiced reservations about some of Trump’s other cabinet nominations, including Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, stating that his concerns remain unresolved.
As a self-described “normal” Republican, Curtis makes it clear that he doesn’t fit neatly into the MAGA mold. In his primary race, he defeated Trump-backed candidate Trent Staggs to secure the GOP nomination for the Senate seat. Curtis has expressed admiration for Mitt Romney, the outgoing Utah senator, for maintaining his independence even when it angered some conservatives. Curtis says he will follow in Romney’s footsteps when necessary but insists that his main priority is tackling what he views as the GOP’s failure to curb government spending.
With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority in the Senate, Curtis is prepared to be a check on President Trump when it comes to fiscal responsibility. “We need to rein in spending, and that’s something my constituents in Utah care deeply about,” Curtis said. As the new Senate prepares for the next administration, Curtis seems ready to bring both support and scrutiny to the president’s proposals, ensuring that Utah’s interests are always at the forefront.