Elise Stefanik mocked as she withdraws Craig Riedel endorsement after he called Trump 'arrogant'

COLUMBUS, OHIO: On Thursday, January 4, Elise Stefanik, the House Republican Conference Chair, withdrew her endorsement of Ohio Republican congressional candidate Craig Riedel.

This decision came after audio surfaced of Riedel criticizing former President Donald Trump as "arrogant."

Stefanik, who had previously supported Riedel's bid for Ohio's 9th Congressional District seat in the House, had called him "the conservative fighter we need" back in July.

Riedel is a former Ohio state representative, having served three terms in that position, per The Hill.

What did Stefanik say about Rep Riedel?

Stefanik wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), on Thursday, “Earlier this week, I informed Craig Riedel (OH-09) that I will be withdrawing my endorsement. I was very disappointed in his inappropriate comments regarding President Trump. As we begin 2024, my focus is on ensuring we nominate the strongest candidates on the ballot who are committed to electing President Trump this November and expanding our House GOP Majority.”

Last month, an audio recording surfaced in which Rep Riedel can be heard referring to Donald Trump as "arrogant" and expressing a lack of interest in receiving the former President's endorsement.

According to a report by the New York Post, the recording was initially obtained by conservative activist Charlie Kirk and was widely disseminated last month on ‘The Charlie Kirk Show', where Rep Riedel was recorded mildly criticizing the former President and saying he didn’t want the 77-year-old’s endorsement in his race.

Rep Riedel said in the audio, “I think he is arrogant. I don’t like the way he calls people names. I just don’t think that’s very becoming of a president.”

When asked, “You’re not looking for a Trump endorsement, are you?” Riedel replied, “I’m not. We are not. Nope.”

Rep Matt Gaetz (R-Fla), a loyal Trump supporter, posted the leaked audio on X, with the caption, “@Craig_riedel is a RINO Never-Trumper. In his own words.”

The next day, Riedel declared his endorsement of Trump, citing his accomplishments in US foreign policy, job growth, inflation, and the US southern border.

Riedel wrote on X, “Matt Gaetz and a social media trickster pulled a stunt yesterday to try and convince President Trump to get involved in my congressional primary for proven loser JR Majewski. Yesterday, a so-called donor called me, making numerous anti-Trump statements.”

Air Force veteran and pro-Trump hip-hop performer JR Majewski, a Republican candidate who was endorsed by the former President, faced an unsuccessful congressional campaign against Democratic Representative Marcy Kaptur for the northern Ohio seat in 2022 when his military record was called into question.

Majewski wrote about Riedel on X this week, “This guy presented himself as a Trump supporter and accepted hundred of thousands in campaign cash knowing he was a closet never-Trumper. Unlike him, I don’t speak in the third person and my campaign won’t lie for campaign contributions. Or run ads out of state”

However, several House GOP leaders have endorsed Riedel's congressional campaign, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (La) and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (Minn), both of whom officially endorsed Trump's 2024 bid earlier this week.

Like Stefanik, others have pulled their endorsement of Rep Riedel due to the leaked audio, including Rep Max Miller from Ohio, who withdrew his support for Riedel last month, writing, “Due to recent comments by Craig Riedel, I must rescind my support for his candidacy. Make America Great Again. AGAIN.”

Longtime Trump supporter Stefanik promptly endorsed the former president's White House candidacy in November 2022, even before he made his formal announcement.

Her withdrawal of Ohio congressman Riedel’s endorsement is the most recent indication of the Republican Party's unwavering allegiance to Donald Trump, despite the latter's numerous criminal convictions, including those related to his attempts to rig the 2020 election and inciting the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.

Internet slams entire Republican party for putting forth a disjointed front

People on X criticized GOP lawmakers for being staunchly behind Donald Trump and not being able to deal with differing opinions and dissension among ranks.

One X user wrote, "Elise Stefanik’s despicable VP tryout continues… Stefanik’s support for Trump is what’s inappropriate ffs."

Another user remarked, "Before this moment, I had no interest in Riedel at all. Right now, though, I'm thinking: Maybe he's worth some attention."

Someone else said, "You can’t speak truth in the GOP echo chamber…."

One user tweeted, "Elsie Stefanik is a disgraceful seditionist and shouldn't be endorsing anyone. She should be removed from US Office permanently."

Another wrote, "There are no elected officials in either chamber that are more craven, ambitious to a fault, disingenuous, and consequentially despicable, than Elise Stefanik."

Someone else said, "Elise Stefanik is a sycophant if there ever was one. She will forgive ANY of Trump's transgressions."

A user remarked, "She's aiming for the VP slot. The "bring-your-own-hanging-noose" job."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.