‘Constant lies’: Trump slammed as he falsely claims not endorsing border bill author Sen James Lankford

MIAMI, FLORIDA: In a recent interview on Monday, February 5, former President Donald Trump made a bold claim, saying he never endorsed Sen James Lankford of Oklahoma, despite evidence to the contrary.

The conversation unfolded during a discussion with right-wing radio host Dan Bongino, where Trump was confronted about his past endorsement of Lankford, a key figure in bipartisan immigration negotiations that the former has sharply criticized.

Denial vs documented evidence

During the interview, Bongino referenced online commentary suggesting Trump had endorsed Lankford, to which Trump initially denied any such endorsement.

"Just to correct the record, I did not endorse Sen Lankford. I didn’t do it. He ran, and I did not endorse him," Trump insisted, only to contradict himself moments later by expressing his fondness for Lankford. "I like James. I did not endorse James, but I like James," he added.

However, Trump's denial flies in the face of documented evidence. In September 2022, Trump issued a statement giving Lankford his "complete and total endorsement" during the general election in the November 2022 midterms.

In this endorsement, Trump specifically lauded Lankford's stance as "strong on the border" and commended his commitment to the "America First" agenda. Meanwhile, in the September 27, 2022, endorsement statement, Trump highlighted Lankford's dedication to core principles and his efforts to support various policy initiatives.

“James was strongly committed to America First, and everything it stood for, and likewise strongly committed to me, as President. Sometimes we didn’t exactly agree on everything, but we do now. He is a very good man with a fabulous wife and family, loves the great State of Oklahoma, and is working very hard on trying to Save our Country from the disaster that it is in.”

Despite Trump's attempt to backtrack on his endorsement, the public record contradicts his recent denial. Moreover, Trump's vague insinuation that he withheld his endorsement during Lankford's 2022 Republican primary further muddles his stance.

Trump suggested he "decided I was not going to endorse James" during the primary, citing a decision not to support Lankford's main opponent, who was pro-Trump. However, this assertion lacked clarity and failed to address the former president's unequivocal endorsement during the general election, per a fact check by CNN.

When Bongino asked whether Trump would back a primary challenge to Lankford, the former president said, “I think this is a very bad bill for his career, especially in Oklahoma."

“I won in Oklahoma,” he continued. “I know those people. They’re great people. They’re not going to be happy about this. Nobody’s going to be happy about this, but the people in Oklahoma are, these are serious MAGA, these are serious people. They are not going to be happy about this, Dan, when they see this. This is crazy. This is lunacy, this bill.”

Internet reacts to Trump's claim of never endorsing Lankford

In response to Trump's false claims about not having endorsed Lankford, social media erupted with criticism.

"Constant lies," one posted on X.

"Not only did he endorse him, but the first sentence of his endorsement was literally: 'James Lankford is STRONG ON THE BORDER,'” another added.

"He 'forgets' at will what he cannot defend," someone else wrote.

"He didn't forget, he's refusing to acknowledge the fact he did," another insisted.

The interview coincided with the unveiling of a comprehensive national security legislation by Senate negotiators, which includes provisions addressing funding for Ukraine, Israel, and other foreign policy priorities, alongside significant reforms aimed at bolstering border security and immigration enforcement.

Despite pushback from progressives and Trump allies in Congress, the Senate plans to proceed with a procedural vote on the legislation.

Trump has vehemently opposed the bill, labeling it as a political ploy by Democrats ahead of the 2024 election, a sentiment he reiterated during his recent interview, The Hill reported.

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.