Jim Justice Embraces Trump as a Guide for His Senate Role
The 73-year-old West Virginia Senator Stresses Independence but Pledges Support for Trump’s Policies
WASHINGTON — Jim Justice, West Virginia’s new Republican senator, is hard to miss on Capitol Hill. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall and navigating the halls on a bright red mobility scooter, Justice is never far from his 62-pound bulldog, Babydog, whose presence has already become a familiar sight in the Senate.
But despite his larger-than-life personality, Justice's approach to his new role differs from his predecessor, former Senator Joe Manchin, who was known for his bipartisan work and unpredictability in Congress. Justice, who replaced Manchin after his switch to the Republican Party, says he is more aligned with his party leader, former President Donald Trump, and intends to support Trump’s agenda in Washington.
“When it comes down to it, I believe President Trump will make the right decisions,” Justice said, adding that while he won’t blindly follow the former president, he trusts Trump’s judgment on key issues.
“I didn’t come here to be a rubber stamp,” Justice said during a recent interview, humorously adding, “If you wanted that, you could just get Babydog to vote all the time.” Still, Justice stressed that his values align with Trump’s conservative stance, and he will back policies that reflect those beliefs.
One of the first actions Justice addressed was Trump’s decision to freeze foreign and domestic aid programs, a move that could directly affect West Virginia, one of the nation’s poorest states. Justice defended the decision, asserting that a temporary freeze would allow for a comprehensive review of federal spending to ensure that decisions are made responsibly.
“West Virginians are not confused about the pause on programs,” Justice explained. “They trust President Trump, who won 70% of the vote here, and they know he won’t take away things like school lunches for children.”
Justice, who switched from the Democratic Party to Republican in 2017 after serving as governor, is no stranger to the political spotlight. His gubernatorial tenure saw him advocate for boosting American energy production, and he remains a strong proponent of energy independence. In his Senate race, Justice ran on the idea of supporting U.S. energy production, including coal and petroleum, which are key exports for West Virginia.
Despite his support for Trump’s energy policies, Justice acknowledged that certain aspects of Trump’s economic agenda, such as proposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, could negatively impact West Virginia’s industries. However, he expressed confidence that Trump would make the right moves over time.
“I really believe that President Trump will make the right moves, but we have to give him time to figure it out,” Justice said, acknowledging the complexities of navigating Washington’s shifting political landscape.
Justice’s entrance into the Senate has been marked by some controversy, including his absence from two votes in his first few weeks. He explained that his staff was unfamiliar with the votes, and he vowed to focus on delivering results rather than worrying about perfect attendance.
“I’m not looking for gold stars,” Justice said. “I’m focused on what’s best for West Virginia.”
While the 73-year-old senator is committed to serving his full term, he has also raised the possibility of running for re-election, citing his deep love for West Virginia and its people. “As long as the good Lord gives me the ability, I’ll be here,” he said.
As for Babydog, who is known to enjoy the same meals as her owner—chicken nuggets, steak, and egg biscuits—Justice has no plans to introduce legislation allowing her to join him on the Senate floor. However, he proudly proclaimed, “Babydog loves everybody—no matter who you are, Republican or Democrat.”