Trump gives 'total endorsement' to two Arizona House GOP primary rivals despite previously picking sides

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Former President Donald Trump made a strange eleventh-hour decision to endorse two rival GOP candidates ahead of the Republican primary for Arizona's 8th Congressional District. 

On Sunday, July 28, the GOP presidential nominee took to Truth Social to give his support to Blake Masters, despite having previously endorsed only Abe Hamadeh. Trump hailed both contenders, who lost statewide races in 2022, as "two spectacular America First Candidates."

Hamadeh ran for attorney general and Masters for Senate in 2022, with both turning into bitter rivals since their unsuccessful bids. 

Donald Trump endorses Arizona GOP House primary rivals Blake Masters and Abe Hamadeh

In his Truth Social post, Donald Trump wrote, "Blake Masters is a very successful businessman, and an incredibly strong supporter of our Movement to Make America Great Again - He is smart and tough! Likewise, Abe Hamadeh, a Veteran, former prosecutor, and fearless fighter for Election Integrity, has been with me all the way!"  

Back in December 2023, the MAGA spearhead had made clear that he supported only Hamadeh.

In the Truth Social post, he wrote, "I am giving Abe Hamadeh my Complete and Total Endorsement in his quest to be the Congressman from District 8 — representing the great state of Arizona. He will never let you down!" according to Mediaite.

However, in Sunday's post, which came just days before the Arizona primary on July 30, Trump emphasized the need for a "true Warrior" in Congress to boost the economy, tackle inflation, secure the border, end migrant crime, back military and veterans, and defend the Second Amendment.

He announced, "They will both be spectacular, and I'm pleased to announce that both Blake Masters and Abe Hamadeh have my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Congressman of Arizona's 8th Congressional District — THEY WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!" 

The former president's flip came after he selected Ohio Sen JD Vance as the vice presidential mate, according to The Hill. Notably, his running mate's 2022 congressional race was reportedly primarily financed by former PayPal CEO Peter Thiel, who bankrolled Masters' campaign.

Both Vance and Masters are closely linked to the tech billionaire, although he has since tried to distance himself from the prominent donor.

Internet calls Donald Trump a 'weirdo' for backing both Blake Masters and Abe Hamadeh

Netizens were quick to mock Donald Trump over the unusual double endorsement. 

"Such a weirdo," wrote a person and someone else said, "That’s weird, endorse both candidates, really weird." 

"Trump can finally claim he picked a winner instead of all the other losers he has endorsed," quipped an individual, with one more saying, "Lol…dude getting tired of picking ppl and taking L's."

"He really is desperate to back a winner, isn't he?" joked another person, while a netizen remarked, "Well for Trump it’s the only way he can pick a winner…"

One claimed, "He probably thinks this is smart because now he can't lose even though this isn't his race. Peak Narcissism." 

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.