Former President Donald Trump recently received a significant endorsement from Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah, just days before his first primary challenge in Iowa. In an appearance on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” Lee declared his support for Trump’s bid for the White House in 2024.
“Whether you like Donald Trump or not, he is our one opportunity to choose order over chaos and putting America first over America last,” Lee told host Laura Ingraham. “It’s time to get behind him.”
Lee, known for his staunch libertarian beliefs, emphasized that he chooses to put America first and believes Trump is the best candidate for the job. He also pointed out that Trump has kept his promises during his presidency, a key factor in his endorsement.
“My favorite kinds of political promises are promises kept,” Lee stated. “Donald Trump has kept the promises that he’s made as he’s campaigned in the past. We know what kind of president he will be.”
Therefore, whether one agrees with Trump on every point or not, Lee believes it’s essential to support him in order to prevent “the status quo of lawlessness” and putting America last.
Sen. Mike Lee endorses Trump for President: "My favorite kinds of political promises are promises kept. Donald Trump has kept promises that he's made as he has campaigned in the past… I wholeheartedly endorse Donald J. Trump in his bid for the presidency in 2024." pic.twitter.com/4y40LW0suf
— MAGA War Room (@MAGAIncWarRoom) January 13, 2024
On the social media platform X, Lee further explained his endorsement, writing, “I just endorsed Donald Trump. Whether you like Trump or not, Americans face a binary choice. Biden refuses to enforce our border, prosecutes his opponents, & embraces policies that make life unaffordable for hardworking Americans.”
He also emphasized his willingness to tolerate Trump’s “mean tweets” in order to preserve America’s best interests.
Trump gratefully responded to Lee’s endorsement on his own social media platform, Truth Social, writing, “Thank you to Senator Mike Lee of Utah – A GREAT HONOR!”
I just endorsed Donald Trump.
Whether you like Trump or not, Americans face a binary choice.
Biden refuses to enforce our border, prosecutes his opponents, & embraces policies that make life unaffordable for hardworking Americans.
I’ll take the mean tweets.
I choose Trump. https://t.co/hirfTzUqpH
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) January 13, 2024
The significance of Lee’s endorsement lies in his position as a representative of the libertarian wing of the Republican Party in the Senate. As a Politico article from 2022 explains, he is considered to be one of the most libertarian senators in the party, often forming cross-party alliances on issues such as military intervention overseas and criminal justice reform.
It is worth noting that Lee did not endorse Trump in 2016, making his recent endorsement even more meaningful. As the article points out, Lee’s support is crucial for Trump to unite the party and secure a strong coalition for the general election.
While Trump has already gained the support of at least 106 House Republicans and 20 Republican senators, every endorsement counts in building a united party. And for Trump, Lee’s endorsement represents yet another step in the right direction.
It is clear that Lee’s support for Trump’s 2024 campaign is a significant one. Not only does it signal the party’s unity behind the former president, but it also highlights the importance of Trump’s promises and dedication to putting America first. As Lee summed it up, “I’ll take the mean tweets. I choose Trump.”