Mike Lee

On November 2, 2010, Mike Lee was elected to the United States Senate representing the state of Utah. Lee, a member of the Republican Party, had previously worked as a lawyer and had served as general counsel to then-Utah Governor Jon Huntsman. During the campaign, Lee ran on a platform of fiscal conservatism and adherence to constitutional principles, defeating incumbent Republican Senator Bob Bennett in the primary before winning the general election. Lee's election was part of a larger wave of Tea Party-backed candidates who gained office during the 2010 midterm elections, a time of significant political upheaval and anti-establishment sentiment within the United States.

In October 2013, Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Mike Lee played key roles in the government shutdown by leading a group of Tea Party-backed Republicans in demanding the defunding of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as a condition for funding the government. The standoff led to a 16-day partial shutdown of the federal government, the first in 17 years. Critics argued that the shutdown cost billions of dollars in economic activity and was ultimately unsuccessful in its goals, as funding for the ACA was not cut. Despite the controversy, Lee and Cruz's actions solidified their reputations as staunch conservatives unwilling to compromise on their principles, but also drew criticism from within their own party.

In the spring of 2016, during the Republican primaries, Utah Senator Mike Lee was notably vocal in his opposition to Donald Trump becoming the GOP nominee for President. Lee, who had supported Ted Cruz, expressed concerns about Trump's rhetoric and qualifications. Despite pressure from party leadership, Lee held firm in his refusal to endorse Trump during the primaries, citing Trump's lack of alignment with conservative principles and skepticism of his commitment to constitutional governance. Mike Lee's stance highlighted the deep divisions within the Republican Party during the 2016 election cycle, as many establishment figures and conservative stalwarts were uncertain about Trump's direction for the party.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump. Senator Mike Lee was a significant supporter of the legislation, which represented the most substantial overhaul of the U.S. tax code in over three decades. The Act lowered corporate tax rates and temporarily reduced individual tax rates, aiming to spur economic growth. While proponents like Lee argued that the tax cuts would lead to increased investments and job creation, critics contended that it disproportionately favored the wealthy and added significantly to the national deficit. Lee, who had long advocated for simplifying the tax code, praised the bill as a step towards economic freedom and prosperity.

On October 6, 2018, Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed to the United States Supreme Court following a contentious and highly publicized Senate confirmation process. Senator Mike Lee of Utah was a vocal supporter of Kavanaugh, a judge on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, advocating for his confirmation despite the intense political and social controversy surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh. Lee argued that Kavanaugh was a strict constitutionalist who would be a fair and unbiased jurist. The confirmation battle deeply divided the country, with nationwide protests and a narrowly split Senate vote that highlighted the fiercely partisan climate surrounding Supreme Court nominations.

On February 5, 2020, Senator Mike Lee voted to acquit President Donald Trump on two articles of impeachment related to abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, following a trial in the United States Senate. Lee, along with the majority of his Republican colleagues, found that the evidence presented in the impeachment proceedings did not meet the threshold required to justify removal from office. Lee's decision to acquit was consistent with his staunch support of Trump throughout his presidency, as he argued that the impeachment process was politically motivated and lacked sufficient legal grounding. The trial ended with Trump being acquitted, as expected, along party lines.

On January 6, 2021, a mob of pro-Trump rioters stormed the United States Capitol in an effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Senator Mike Lee was present at the Capitol during the attack, which resulted in the deaths of five people and significant property damage. In the wake of the riot, Lee condemned the violence and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law. The events of January 6 led to a second impeachment of President Trump for incitement of insurrection and sparked a nationwide debate about political violence and electoral integrity. Lee contended that while the events were tragic, the response needed to adhere to constitutional processes.

On February 13, 2021, Senator Mike Lee voted to acquit former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial, which centered on charges of incitement of insurrection following the January 6 Capitol riot. Despite intense public scrutiny and political pressure, Lee maintained that the impeachment was unconstitutional because Trump was no longer in office. He also argued that the trial lacked due process. The Senate trial ended with Trump's acquittal and marked the second time Lee voted against impeachment charges brought against Trump, reinforcing both his alliance with Trump and his interpretations of constitutional limits on impeachment.

On November 8, 2022, Mike Lee was reelected to a fourth term as the United States Senator from Utah. His victory reaffirmed his strong support among Utah voters who appreciated his consistent advocacy for conservative principles and limited government. Throughout his career, Lee has been known for his constitutional expertise and commitment to fiscal responsibility, often serving as a voice for libertarian-leaning policies within the Republican Party. His reelection came amidst a challenging electoral environment for Republicans nationwide, but Lee managed to secure his seat with a comfortable margin, showcasing his entrenched position in Utah politics.

In April 2023, Senator Mike Lee made a visit to Taiwan, joining a bipartisan congressional delegation. The visit underscored the United States' commitment to supporting Taiwan amid increasing tensions with China. During his visit, Lee met with Taiwanese officials to discuss economic ties, national security, and regional stability, reiterating U.S. support for Taiwan's democratic government. This visit was part of ongoing diplomatic efforts by U.S. lawmakers to strengthen relationships with Asia-Pacific allies in response to China's growing regional influence and military presence, highlighting Lee's role in foreign policy matters and his support for international partnerships.