Trump Tweets Endorsement for Gaetz From London
Freshman Florida congressman who has been ardent Trump supporter faces primary challenge
President Donald Trump tweeted his support of Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz ahead of Florida’s primary.
Trump tweeted that Gaetz is “one of the finest and most talented people in Congress.”
Gaetz, one of the most high-profile freshman members of Congress for his frequent cable news appearances, faces two Republican challengers in the state’s Aug. 28 primary.
Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida is one of the finest and most talented people in Congress. Strong on Crime, the Border, Illegal Immigration, the 2nd Amendment, our great Military & Vets, Matt worked tirelessly on helping to get our Massive Tax Cuts. He has my Full Endorsement!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 13, 2018
Gaetz is one of Trump’s biggest defenders in the Russia investigation and has blamed the “deep state” for opposing the president.
Jordan has also been a vociferous defender of Rep. Jim Jordan against allegations Jordan knew about sexual abuse while he was an assistant coach at Ohio State University, which he has also criticized as a “deep state” conspiracy.
On Wednesday, Gaetz spoke to Fox Business’ Lou Dobbs and said the timing of the allegations against Jordan were “very suspect” because they came days after Jordan criticized the Justice Department on the House floor.
“I think there are people that have some loose affiliation with the deep state that are out to get Jim Jordan,” Gaetz said. “And this is they way they are manifesting their hatred for a man who is doing everything to fight for the regular folks in this country who want, demand and deserve the truth.”
Fox News host Sean Hannity campaigned for Gaetz and fellow Florida Rep. Ron DeSantis, who is running for governor of Florida earlier this month.
Hannity said both DeSantis and Gaetz are two Republicans who have not disappointed him, the Pensacola News Journal reported.
“The Freedom Caucus is literally the lifeblood of what is making Congress work today, and they’re (DeSantis and Gaetz) in the heart of it,” he said.