Trump slammed for backing Mike Sapraicone for NY Senate despite donation to his prosecutor Letitia James

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Republican Mike Sapraicone for the New York Senate race, despite Sapraicone's prior donations to Trump's nemesis, State Attorney General Letitia James.

Trump's endorsement comes at a contentious moment, as Sapraicone faces criticism from within his own party and scrutiny from Democrats for his ties and past contributions.

Trump's endorsement of Sapraicone raises eyebrows

The 67-year-old retired detective, who now heads a private security firm, secured the GOP nomination with a significant margin at the party convention last month, signaling strong support within Republican circles.

However, his donation of $1,000 to James' re-election campaign in March 2022 has raised eyebrows, particularly given James' active investigation into Trump at the time.

Former Long Island Rep Peter King, a prominent figure in Nassau County Republican politics, has been vocal in his criticism of Sapraicone, labeling the donation as "indefensible."

King's concerns extend beyond Sapraicone's individual actions, fearing that his candidacy could jeopardize the re-election prospects of other GOP incumbents in Long Island and upstate New York, as reported by the New York Post.

Despite the controversy surrounding Sapraicone's donation, Trump offered his unreserved endorsement on his Truth Social platform.

“Congratulations to Mike Sapraicone on running against one of the worst Senators in the U.S. Senate, Kirsten Gillibrand. All you have to do is go back and look at her failed Presidential run, an embarrassment to all New Yorkers, after which I assumed she would never be able to even think about running for Office again,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

“People’s memories, however, are short, and here we go! Mike is a strong and successful person, and I look forward to working with him to take New York State away from the people who have destroyed it with hundreds of thousands of Migrants flowing in, and ruining our Schools, Hospitals, Parks, and increasing Crime many fold. Good luck to Mike – He has my Complete and Total Endorsement!” he added.

Sapraicone thanked Trump for the endorsement on X.

"I am grateful to President Trump and deeply honored to have his endorsement and support to run for the U.S. Senate. I look forward to working with President Trump — and thank him for putting his faith in me. We are united in our work to return him to the White House and to defeat Gillibrand so we can get New York and our Nation back on the right track," he posted.

In response to Trump's endorsement, Gillibrand's campaign wasted no time in attacking Sapraicone, attempting to tie him to the former president's controversial policies and actions. Campaign spokesman Evan Lukaske criticized Sapraicone for aligning himself with Trump.

“That Sapraicone would accept the endorsement of former President Trump, the person responsible for repealing the SALT deduction, shows how completely out of touch he is with New York voters,” said Lukaske, referring to the State and Local Tax Deduction.

“Whether it’s MAGA Mike or any of the other extreme Republican candidates, Senator Gillibrand is confident she’ll win reelection this fall.”

Social Media Backlash

However, Trump's endorsement of Sapraicone has not been without its detractors. Social media erupted with criticism, with some expressing disbelief at Trump's decision.

"Trash endorsing trash," one posted on X.

"Trump will endorse anyone who strokes his ego," another wrote.

"Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows, wot?" someone else commented.

"This is obviously a mistake, No way Trump would endorse someone who clearly is against everything he stands for ..Who in Trump's world lied to him," another added.

Legal Challenges for Trump

Meanwhile, Trump himself faces legal challenges, including a recent $454 million fraud judgment in New York. His proposal to post a $100 million bond while appealing the judgment has been met with opposition from Attorney General James, who argues that Trump's financial standing renders him unable to satisfy the full amount.

“The exorbitant and punitive amount of the Judgment coupled with an unlawful and unconstitutional blanket prohibition on lending transactions would make it impossible to secure and post a complete bond,” Trump’s lawyers Clifford Robert and Alina Habba wrote in their proposal. “Appellants nonetheless plan to secure and post a bond in the amount of $100 million.”

However, James opposed the request, arguing that a full bond is required precisely because of Trump's insufficient cash and need to raise further capital.

“There is no merit to defendants’ contention that a full bond or deposit is unnecessary because they are willing to post a partial undertaking of less than a quarter of the judgment amount,” James responded.

“Defendants all but concede that Mr. Trump has insufficient liquid assets to satisfy the judgment; defendants would need ‘to raise capital’ to do so.”