On Monday, former President Donald Trump made a misleading statement by asserting that he did not endorse Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma.
Senator Lankford is the principal Republican negotiator involved in a bipartisan immigration bill that Trump has strongly criticized.
During an interview on Monday, radio host Dan Bongino brought up the fact that some online commentators had pointed out Trump’s endorsement of Lankford.
Bongino defended Trump, acknowledging that individuals endorsed may sometimes disappoint.
However, Trump took a stronger stance, claiming that he had never endorsed Lankford at all. He stated, “Just to correct the record, I did not endorse Sen. Lankford. I didn’t do it. He ran, and I did not endorse him. So I’m sure your person will be happy to hear that.” More than 10 minutes later, Trump added, “I like James. I did not endorse James, but I like James.”
Trump Praises James’ Commitment to Family and State
In his endorsement statement on September 27, 2022, Trump expressed his belief that James was deeply dedicated to the principles of America First and to his presidency.
There were times when our opinions didn’t align, but we have reached a consensus.
He is a dedicated individual with a loving spouse and family, deeply passionate about his home state of Oklahoma, and tirelessly committed to rescuing our nation from its current state of crisis.
In that statement, Trump proceeded to commend Lankford’s positions on the border, the economy, crime, gun rights, and energy.
In the interview with Bongino on Monday, Trump subtly alluded to his decision not to endorse James in Lankford’s 2022 Republican primary.
He mentioned that Lankford had run against a good man, implying his reasoning for withholding his endorsement. Lankford faced a pro-Trump candidate in the Republican primary and went up against a female Democrat in the general election, who received Trump’s endorsement.
However, Trump made it clear and emphasized multiple times, without any exceptions, that he had not given his endorsement to Lankford. I’m sorry, but that statement is incorrect.