Senator Mitt Romney has been a prominent critic of Donald Trump, often expressing concerns about Trump’s character and leadership style. Romney, a fellow devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), has consistently emphasized the importance of integrity in leadership, echoing the teachings of our LDS leaders who encourage members to vote for moral and ethical individuals.

In 2020, during Trump’s impeachment trial, Romney became the first senator in U.S. history to vote to convict a president of his own party. Romney cited his faith and conscience as guiding forces in his decision. He stated:  

“The president is guilty of an appalling abuse of public trust. What he did was not ‘perfect’—no, it was a flagrant assault on our electoral rights, our national security interests, and our fundamental values. Corrupting an election to keep oneself in office is perhaps the most abusive and destructive violation of one’s oath of office that I can imagine.”  – Mitt Romney, February 5, 2020, following Trump’s first impeachment trial.

Romney’s emphasis on character and morality aligns with LDS teachings. President Russell M. Nelson has said:  “Your vote is not just a political decision—it is a moral one. Seek out leaders who exemplify integrity, honor, and virtue.” – Worldwide Leadership Training Broadcast, June 2011.

Romney reiterated his stance in 2023, stating that he would “absolutely not” vote for Trump if he became the Republican nominee for the 2024 election. He expressed his belief that Trump threatened democratic principles and lacked the moral leadership needed to govern.

In keeping with these values, President Ezra Taft Benson once taught:  

“If we want to maintain our freedoms, we must elect individuals who are devoted to truth and righteousness. Morality and honesty are the very foundation of our government and the fabric of society.”

– The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 667.

For Romney, his decisions about voting for Trump reflect his commitment to these LDS principles, as well as his belief in the importance of electing leaders who demonstrate honesty, respect for the rule of law, and moral integrity.