Donald Trump issues a “testimonial” about his GOP rivals in the debate
Former President Donald Trump issued a “testimonial” to his rivals in the 2024 presidential election after watching a Republican primary debate that he skipped.
Trump spoke at a non-union auto parts manufacturer in Michigan on Wednesday instead of attending the debate in California. In one post Speaking to Truth Social on Thursday, Trump said he watched the debate and rated each candidate’s performance, giving only three out of seven positive reviews.
The former president, who also dropped out of the first GOP debate last month, also argued that the event was a “complete waste of time” because of his commanding lead in the polls. He called on the Republican National Committee (RNC) to “end” the series of debates before giving his assessment of the candidates.
Scott Olson
“I’m up 56 points, so the debates seem to be a complete waste of time. I’m also up 10 points on Crooked Joe! “What is the RNC doing?” Trump wrote. “They should fight election interference and voter registration fraud in Pennsylvania. The debates should be ENDED, BAD for the Republican Party! I was in Michigan last night with auto workers and others.”
Newsweek emailed the RNC for comment Thursday evening.
Trump then shared his “testimony.” He insulted former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
The ex-president was more charitable to North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.
“Debate seen = REPORT: Doug Burgum did a very good job, solid and smart!” Trump wrote. “Sloppy Chris Christie was a disaster, a crazy Trump lunatic! Nikki ‘Birdbrain’ Haley has been exposed for her vitriolic infidelity and lies about the Republican Party and me. Doesn’t have what it takes, she NEVER has!”
“Lyin’ Mike Pence has lost a lot of his energy,” he continued. “Very flat, needs me urgently! It’s actually pretty sad to see, but he’s getting better. Too much J-6! Tim Scott made it worse. Wonderful guy. I look forward to his support! Vivek said I was great.” President. Thank you. Good job! Ron DeSanctimonious had a bad night. He feels that the end is near. He drops like a stone!”
During his speech in Michigan shortly before Wednesday’s debate, Trump indicated that none of the seven candidates who attended the event would be considered as his running mate in 2024. Trump spokesman Steven Cheung later confirmed this Newsweek that the candidates would not be considered.
Republicans who have been considered Trump’s potential running mate without being ruled out include former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.
Trump continues to hold a seemingly insurmountable lead in the Republican primary despite facing 91 felony counts in four separate criminal cases this year and being found liable in civil court for business fraud.
The former president has pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges and claims all of his legal troubles amount to “election interference” and are the result of a “witch hunt” by Democrats.
