Trump snubs Rep Bob Good over primary challenger John McGuire despite him attending his hush money trial

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Former President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Rep Bob Good (R-Va), on Tuesday, May 28, endorsing Good's primary challenger, John McGuire.

This comes just days after Good, a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus, traveled to New York to support Trump during his criminal trial.

Trump slams Bob Good and endorses John McGuire

"Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA. He turned his back on our incredible movement, and was constantly attacking and fighting me until recently, when he gave a warm and 'loving' Endorsement - But really, it was too late," Trump wrote on Truth Social, just before the closing arguments of his hush money trial began.

Good had initially endorsed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for president before shifting his support to Trump after DeSantis exited the race. However, Trump's endorsement of another DeSantis supporter, Georgia Rep Rich McCormick, signaled his willingness to support former adversaries who now align with his vision.

Trump's endorsement of John McGuire, a former Navy SEAL and current Virginia state legislator, highlighted McGuire's military and public service credentials.

"I just want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and the person that can most help me do that is Navy Seal and highly respected State Legislator, John McGuire, a true American Hero," Trump stated.

"John, who fought the Cartels on the Front Line, and then came home and fought the drug dealers in Virginia, will ALWAYS PUT AMERICA FIRST," the former President added, per the Associated Press.

Good and McGuire will face off in a primary scheduled for June 18, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for the GOP's internal dynamics.

Good's recent actions in New York, where he joined other right-wing lawmakers in supporting Trump at his trial, have not been enough to secure Trump's backing. McGuire, who was also present in New York courting Trump's support, emerged as the favored candidate.

GOP support for Trump during hush money trial

Good's trip to Manhattan on May 16 was part of a show of solidarity with Trump, accompanied by other House Freedom Caucus members such as Reps Matt Gaetz (R-Fla), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz), and Anna Luna (R-Fla).

They criticized the trial, Judge Juan Merchan, and key witness Michael Cohen, echoing Trump's sentiments in the face of a gag order that limited his ability to comment on the proceedings.

"We're seeing today what lengths the Democrat Party will go to try to rig or steal another election," Good stated at a press conference outside the courthouse.

"We're here because we gotta defend him, because (of) the gag order put on him."

The primary race has exposed deep divisions within the House GOP conference. Prominent Republicans have taken sides, with Reps. Matt Gaetz, Andy Biggs, and Chip Roy (R-Texas) endorsing Good, while Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga), and others support McGuire.

Rep Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis), and Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers have actively campaigned for McGuire. Trump's former chief of staff, Mark Meadows, has aligned himself with Good.

"Bob Good didn't come here to govern. He came here to be famous," Van Orden told CNN. "Bob Good's wearing our jersey, and he's not on the team."

Despite Trump's endorsement, Good retains strong local support within his district's GOP committee. Rick Buchanan, the chairman of the district's GOP committee, expressed skepticism about the impact of Trump's endorsement.

"A Trump endorsement wouldn't move the needle that much," Buchanan told Cardinal News last month. He criticized McGuire's campaign for lacking substantive positions beyond attacking Good and questioning his loyalty to Trump.

"If you listen to McGuire's campaign, then yes, [Trump] is the issue, because McGuire has nothing else," Buchanan said. "I'm not seeing where he takes a stance on any real issue, except Bob Good's no good, and Bob Good is not a Trump supporter, which is a lie. That's why he's got the name McLiar."

"McGuire has no place to run, he has no issues that he can stand on that Bob hasn't already taken a stand on," he added.

Trump slammed on social media

Trump's decision to back McGuire over Good sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many conservatives voicing their discontent.

"This is so infuriating. Trump is actively trying to lose his conservative base," one posted on X.

"This is a HORRIBLE move by Trump. Totally undisciplined. Less of this, please," another fumed.

"Trump’s endorsements are either amazing or garbage. Unfortunately, this endorsement is the latter," a comment read.

"Vote for Bob Good. Don’t listen to Donald Trump," someone else insisted.

"Trump is a stubborn guy who never wants to break. It's not that bad.. although he has a strange itch to try to keep showing people their place even when he should positively use them," another offered.

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