Ben Sasse

Ben Sasse was sworn in as the junior United States Senator from Nebraska on January 3, 2015. He succeeded Mike Johanns and joined the Senate as a member of the Republican Party. During his tenure, Sasse quickly became known for his criticism of the Obama administration's policies and positioned himself as a staunch conservative with a focus on constitutional principles and limited government.

During a 2017 speech in Omaha, Nebraska, Senator Ben Sasse emphasized the need for the Republican Party to engage in a serious debate about trade policy, which he argued was essential for long-term economic growth. Sasse, who hails from a state with significant agricultural exports, criticized the protectionist trends within the party and advocated for free trade agreements that would benefit American farmers and businesses. His stance highlighted a growing divide within the GOP on trade issues, especially in light of the Trump administration's more protectionist policies.

On December 12, 2018, Senator Ben Sasse delivered a speech on the Senate floor criticizing the increasing partisanship in American politics. Sasse argued that the Senate should be a place of open debate and collaboration rather than partisan squabbles. He cited historical examples of the Senate working across party lines to address national challenges and called for a return to civility and bipartisan cooperation. Sasse's speech resonated with calls from other lawmakers for a more functional legislative body amid growing political polarization.

In early February 2019, Senator Ben Sasse was re-elected as the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Oversight Subcommittee. During his time as chair, Sasse focused on issues such as judicial appointments, federal law enforcement oversight, and judicial reform. His leadership was marked by efforts to ensure accountability in the Department of Justice and the FBI, as well as promoting a conservative approach to judicial nominations.

On May 6, 2020, Senator Ben Sasse criticized President Donald Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic during a private call with constituents. Sasse expressed concern over the lack of a coherent strategy to tackle the virus and the administration's communication failures. He emphasized the need for clear federal guidance and stronger leadership to combat the health crisis. Sasse's remarks were notable as they underscored dissent within the Republican Party regarding the administration's pandemic response.

Following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots, Senator Ben Sasse strongly condemned the violence and called for accountability for those involved. On January 19, 2021, he issued a statement supporting the constitutional process and opposing efforts to overturn the election results. Sasse emphasized the need to uphold the rule of law and democratic norms, criticizing attempts to undermine the peaceful transfer of power. His response was widely covered in media as it reflected a strong stance for constitutional principles.

In June 2021, Senator Ben Sasse was named the chair of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, highlighting his ongoing commitment to national security issues. As chair, Sasse focused on enhancing the United States' cybersecurity defenses, particularly in light of increasing cyber threats from nation-states and terrorist organizations. His leadership aimed at shaping legislative and policy initiatives to protect critical infrastructure and respond effectively to cyber incidents.

On January 30, 2022, Senator Ben Sasse publicly announced his support for Ukraine as tensions with Russia escalated. He urged the U.S. government to provide military aid and support to Ukraine to deter Russian aggression. Sasse's announcement was part of a broader push by lawmakers to affirm America's commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty and to strengthen alliances in Eastern Europe. His stance was in sync with many in Congress who advocated for a robust response to Russia's military build-up near Ukraine's borders.

On January 1, 2023, Ben Sasse officially resigned from the United States Senate to assume the presidency of the University of Florida. His departure marked the end of his active political role, though he transitioned to an influential position in higher education. The decision to resign came after a series of evaluations of both opportunities, inspired by a desire to impact the next generation and return to academic pursuits, previously serving as a college president before his Senate term.

On February 6, 2023, Ben Sasse was inaugurated as the 13th president of the University of Florida. His inauguration marked a new chapter in his career, shifting from politics to education. At the event, he laid out his vision for the university, emphasizing innovation, academic excellence, and a commitment to preparing students for the challenges of the future. His presidency was seen as a strategic move by the university to harness his leadership experience and national stature.