Former President Donald Trump is facing backlash from conservatives over his latest endorsements, as per a new report.
In Virginia’s GOP Fifth Congressional District, Representative Bob Good is in a highly watched race against state Senator John McGuire. Good, head of the House Freedom Caucus, initially supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the presidential primaries, causing disagreement among Republicans loyal to Trump.
Trump endorsed McGuire via his Truth Social post in May, expressing dissatisfaction with Good’s prior actions. Additionally, Trump backed Republican incumbent Representative William Timmons in South Carolina, who faces multiple right-wing challengers.
Conservatives in the House criticized these endorsements, as reported by Punchbowl News. They believe Trump should endorse candidates who disrupt the status quo rather than maintain it.
Trump, likely the Republican nominee for 2024, has been outspoken on divisive GOP primaries, showcasing his continued influence among conservative voters.
Some lawmakers, like Ralph Norman from South Carolina, feel Trump needs more input on his endorsements to make informed decisions. They emphasize the importance of diverse perspectives in the endorsement process.
Congressman Dan Bishop from North Carolina hopes Trump values alliances and avoids actions that could hinder his future political path.
Representative Matt Gaetz from Florida, a vocal conservative, broke ranks with Trump on the Virginia race, expressing his support for Good over social media.
Trump’s endorsements have generally led to primary victories. However, candidates he supported in competitive areas often fell short in general elections, raising doubts about the reach of his influence beyond the GOP base.