Trump's Cory Mills endorsement blows up after primary defeat, claims he 'told him to get out'
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump is distancing himself from Rep Cory Mills after the Florida Republican lost his primary, claiming he had privately urged his “friend” to leave the race despite publicly giving him his “complete and total endorsement” earlier this year.
Trump made the claim on Wednesday, August 19, one day after former television news anchor Ryan Elijah defeated Mills in the Republican primary for Florida’s 7th Congressional District. Elijah won with 47.1% of the vote to Mills’ 34.2%, according to election results.
Trump also immediately endorsed Elijah, describing him as a candidate who stands for “EVERYTHING MAGA” and saying he had his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”
I am humbled to have the endorsement of President Trump. This is an exciting time as we enter the next phase of this campaign to serve the people of this district. I will not let them down. Thank you, President Trump, for your support! 🇺🇸 @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/Hu209pBEVG
— Ryan Elijah (@ryanelijah) August 19, 2026
Trump rewrites Cory Mills' endorsement
In his Truth Social post, Trump said he had told Mills “to get out of the Race,” but claimed the congressman refused because he believed he could win.
“He thought he could win, so who can blame him?” Trump wrote before praising Elijah as his preferred replacement.
The statement contrasts sharply with Trump’s February endorsement of Mills.
At the time, Trump called Mills an “America First Patriot” and a “Tremendous Champion” for Florida’s 7th District before declaring: “Cory Mills has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”
Thank you @POTUS for your complete and total endorsement. I will continue to fight for Florida’s 7th District, our great republic, and always put America First 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/3ZO8ksGaAW
— Cory Mills (@CoryMillsFL) February 11, 2026
Mills had also repeatedly highlighted Trump’s backing during his campaign. In July, he pointed to Trump’s endorsement as evidence of his strength in the Republican primary.
Cory Mills falls as Ryan Elijah surges
Mills entered the primary facing significant political problems, including an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation and allegations involving his conduct, military record, and business dealings. Mills has denied wrongdoing.
The Republican congressman was also facing growing opposition within his own party.
We just introduced a resolution to EXPEL Cory Mills from the U.S. House of Representatives.
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) April 20, 2026
The swamp has protected Cory Mills for far too long and we are done letting it slide. We tried to censure him and strip him from his committee assignments. Both parties blocked it, but… pic.twitter.com/1HQPv27Q8Q
Reps Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos backed Elijah, while other Florida Republicans also backed the challenger.
Elijah, a former television news anchor, gained momentum as the campaign progressed. A pre-election poll had shown him leading Mills, with support for Mills falling further when voters were reminded of the controversies surrounding him.
Trump quickly backs Cory Mills' replacement
After Mills’ defeat, Trump shifted his support to Elijah, who now becomes the Republican nominee for the Florida 7th District.
Congratulations to Ryan Elijah on winning the Republican Nomination for Florida’s 7th Congressional District!
— Florida GOP (@FloridaGOP) August 19, 2026
A strong conservative ready to put Floridians first in Washington.
Looking forward to a BIG victory! pic.twitter.com/4kCkpHyJbO
The result adds another complication to Trump’s record of endorsements in the 2026 primaries.
While several Trump-backed candidates won on Tuesday, Mills became one of the incumbents to lose his primary despite receiving the president’s earlier endorsement.
Elijah will now advance to the November general election, where he is expected to face Democrat Bale Dalton in a district that remains favorable to Republicans.
