'Guaranteed loss': Internet mocks Donald Trump for endorsing Ohio congressional candidate Derek Merrin just hours before polls open

COLUMBUS, OHIO: Former President Donald Trump made an 11th-hour endorsement in the northwest Ohio congressional district supporting state Rep Derek Merrin, reported the Associated Press.

The GOP presumptive nominee announced the endorsement on his Truth Social platform on Monday, March 18, around 18 hours before the polls were scheduled to start and less than two days after he campaigned in Ohio for the US Senate candidate Bernie Moreno.

By throwing his support behind Merrin, Trump parted ways with his staunch ally Rep Jim Jordan because the latter endorsed a rival GOP candidate, Craig Redel, who he described as "a rock-solid conservative."

Donald Trump calls Derek Merrin an 'America First patriot'

Announcing the last-minute endorsement on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Derek Merrin is an incredible America First Patriot who is running for Congress in Ohio's 9th Congressional District against a RINO, Craig Riedel, who is no friend of MAGA.

"As your next Congressman, Derek will fight hard to Secure our Border, Stop Inflation, Support our Military / Vets, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment," the ex-president continued, declaring, "Derek Merrin has my Complete and Total Endorsement - He will not let you down!"

In January, House Speaker Mike Johnson endorsed Merrin to defeat the Democratic incumbent Marcy Kaptur. The 77-year-old Kaptur, who will become the longest-serving female in Congress this fall, is considered to be the most vulnerable Democrat in the US.

Merrin drew attention after leading an intraparty rebellion in 2023 in the Ohio House, fighting for speakership. Johnson backed him after audio of Reidel criticizing Trump surfaced. In light of this, the Jordan-backed candidate's electability was questioned due to Trump's strong voter base in Ohio.

In addition, Riedel's campaign also released an ad attacking Merrin as "a top henchman" to the then-House speaker of the state, Larry Householder.

Despite Trump's popularity in the state, Jordan endorsed Riedel, saying, "Craig Riedel is a rock-solid conservative who understands that parents, not the government, know what is best for their children. He will fight to cut spending, lower taxes, uphold the Second Amendment, and protect traditional family values."

Internet ridicules Donald Trump's endorsement

Netizens took to X mocking Merrin's Trump endorsement, claiming he would lose.

One user described the endorsement as "A guaranteed loss."

"WATCH HE LOSE," another user wrote, and a third one labeled the support as "Kiss of death."

A fourth user shared a similar opinion, writing, "Trump endorsements = Losing."

"Everybody you endorse winds up crashing and burning… You just destroyed this man’s political career If I was Derek, I would order you to print a retraction immediately!" read a response.

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.