What is a RINO? What to know about the weaponized term in GOP politics

Former President Donald Trump is known for his unconventional name-calling on the campaign trail, often taking to social media to launch blistering attacks against other politicians. These outbursts are usually riddled with insults and jabs, particularly targeting fellow Republicans.

Though he's not alone in his tactic during the 2024 presidential campaign, the 77-year-old coined a now famous term that his political allies and supporters alike use to call out conservatives who don't back the former president's agenda: RINO.

But what does this quip mean, and who has been on the receiving end of it?

What does RINO stand for?

The acronym stands for "Republican in name only" and has been used to call out more traditional conservative politicians and candidates who don't fall in line with Trump's ultra-conservative policies.

The name means a politician identifies as a Republican but is not loyal to the party either by taking part in bipartisan policies or not falling in line with MAGA conservatives and alt-right agendas.

Who has been called a RINO?

Well, a lot of people.

Former presidential opponent and current Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had the insult granted to him even before starting his campaign.

Notably, Trump and his allies targeted former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of WYoming, as she was outspoken after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol that Trump did not rightfully win the election. She also served on the House Jan. 6 committee to investigate Trump's involvement in the insurrection.

Republican Utah Senator Mitt Romney has been accused of acting for the Democrats and a RINO for not supporting attacks on Biden, including an impeachment inquiry headed by the Freedom Caucus.

In a statement where Trump endorsed Cheney's GOP challenger, he called her a "RINO" and "the Democrats' number one provider of sound bites."

He also uses the term to describe conservative politicians who have not endorsed the fictitious claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him. Trump blasted Georgia officials for not delivering him the election and endorsing his claim of fraud.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: What is a RINO in GOP politics? RINO meaning