'Why the heck would you support him?' Internet trolls Steve Scalise after Rep becomes latest Republican to endorse Donald Trump for president

WASHINGTON, DC: In a timely move on Tuesday, January 2, 2023, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise formally endorsed Donald Trump for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

The endorsement solidifies Scalise's position alongside other prominent Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, who have thrown their weight behind the former president.

Steve Scalise endorses Donald Trump for president

"I am proud to endorse Donald Trump for president in 2024, and I look forward to working with President Trump and a Republican House and Senate to fight for those families who are struggling under the weight of Biden’s failed policies," Scalise, 58, wrote on X.

Scalise didn't mince words as he outlined his concerns about the current administration. “Gas prices more than doubled, housing affordability reached all-time lows, mortgage rates doubled, inflation hit the highest level in 40 years, and interest rates are at the highest level in 22 years,” Scalise said of the Joe Biden administration’s record.

In an interview with Fox News, he highlighted the alarming surge in gas prices, record-low housing affordability, doubled mortgage rates, and the highest inflation levels witnessed in the past 40 years.

Scalise went on to argue that under Trump's watch, "American workers and families were thriving," emphasizing Trump's proven track record.

The Louisiana Republican strategically timed his endorsement, making the announcement just 13 days before the Iowa caucuses and precisely three weeks ahead of the New Hampshire primary.

This move underlines the growing momentum within the GOP as it coalesces behind Trump as the likely nominee for the 2024 election.

With Scalise's support, Trump has now garnered endorsements from at least 95 sitting Republican House members and 18 of the 49 Republican senators. However, not everyone is celebrating Scalise's endorsement.

Democratic National Committee (DNC) national press secretary Sarafina Chitika criticized the move.

"MAGA House Republicans keep showing America they’ve turned the House into little more than an arm of Donald Trump’s campaign – so it’s no surprise Steve Scalise, who called himself ‘David Duke without the baggage,’ is joining the parade of House extremists backing Trump’s bid," she told Fox News.

"Scalise’s top priority has always been pushing Trump’s unpopular agenda: He voted against certifying the 2020 election, is hellbent on banning abortion nationwide, and worked with Trump to try to rip away Americans’ health care," Chitika said.

"Scalise’s endorsement is the latest proof that while the House GOP is unable to accomplish anything on behalf of the American people, they are laser-focused on advancing Trump's MAGA agenda and ripping away freedoms," she added.

Social media reacts to Steve Scalise endorsing Donald Trump

Social media also witnessed a flurry of criticism directed at Scalise for his support of the former president.

"Endorsing an indicted man who tried to disrupt 200 years of the peaceful transition of power. Disgusting," one posted on X.

"Isn’t that the guy who said he’d be a “dictator” on day one? Why the heck would you support him?" asked another.

"GOP House likely gets destroyed with Trump as the nominee, but please proceed as you wish," someone else added.

"Ashamed is what you should be, not proud," another offered.

Despite the criticism, Trump expressed gratitude to Scalise on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling it a "great honor" to receive the endorsement. “I will not let you, or our Country, down!” he wrote.

Donald Trump's lead in polls amid legal challenges

As Donald Trump continues to lead the Republican presidential primary field by around 40 percentage points in nationwide polling, according to the latest CNN Poll of Polls, he faces substantial legal challenges.

Currently a defendant in multiple criminal trials with 91 charges across four cases, Trump has been juggling his campaign activities in early-voting states with his legal obligations.

Recent legal hurdles include disqualification from Colorado's primary ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" from holding office.

Despite the ruling, the decision was stayed, pending a likely appeal to the US Supreme Court, allowing Trump to remain on the Colorado ballot for the time being.

Additionally, on December 28, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows excluded Trump from the primary ballot, citing the same constitutional clause. The former president is expected to challenge the Maine ruling in the Supreme Court as well, the New York Post 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.