Only 4 out of Donald Trump’s 44 former cabinet members have endorsed his 2024 run.
Only 4 out of Donald Trump's 44 former cabinet members have endorsed his 2024 run.
Less Than 10% of Trump’s Former Cabinet Members Endorse His 2024 Re-election
Less than 10% of former President Donald Trump’s cabinet members have publicly endorsed him for his 2024 presidential run. This lack of support from within his own cabinet highlights the division among Republicans and the hesitation some have in backing Trump for another term.
Lack of Endorsements
According to NBC News, only four of Trump’s former cabinet members have openly endorsed his re-election campaign. This includes Matthew Whitaker, former acting attorney general; Mark Meadows, Trump’s former chief of staff; Russell Vought, Trump’s former budget chief; and Richard Grenell, former acting director of national intelligence. These individuals have expressed their support for Trump 2024, although they have not provided any further comments.
However, NBC News reached out to over 40 former cabinet members, and many either declined to comment or stated that they were actively working to prevent Trump’s nomination. This lack of support from his once closest advisors and allies indicates that Trump may face significant hurdles in securing the Republican nomination for the upcoming election.
Vocal Opposition
In contrast to the few endorsements Trump has received, several members of his former cabinet have been vocal against his run for re-election. Former Attorney General Bill Barr, who testified extensively against Trump before the House January 6 committee, has openly criticized Trump, referring to him as a “troubled man” who must face justice.
Another former chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, has also expressed his opposition to Trump’s nomination, stating that he is working hard to ensure that someone else becomes the Republican nominee. Mulvaney believes that Trump is the candidate most likely to lose in a general election against President Joe Biden, and he is actively advocating for an alternative candidate.
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Fallout from the Past
The lack of support from former cabinet members can be attributed, in part, to Trump’s history of firing individuals who either disagreed with him or were perceived as not performing well. Trump was not hesitant to remove members from his administration, leading to an environment where loyalty to the former president may not have been as strong as one would expect.
According to Barbara Perry, the director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia, these former cabinet members may not feel a strong connection to Trump, as their relationship was not based on long-term loyalty or friendship. As a result, some of them may be unwilling to publicly endorse him for his 2024 re-election campaign.
Pence’s Involvement and Other Potential Candidates
In October, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the idea of former Vice President Mike Pence or other members of his cabinet running for president in 2024, stating that it would be “very disloyal.” However, Pence has announced his candidacy, albeit polling significantly behind Trump.
The presence of other potential candidates within the Republican party adds further complexity to Trump’s re-election prospects. Some members of his former cabinet may be hopeful about alternative candidates who they believe have a better chance of defeating President Biden in the general election.
Conclusion
The limited endorsements from former cabinet members highlight the challenges that lie ahead for Trump in his 2024 re-election campaign. While there may be a small group of individuals who continue to support him, many others are actively opposing his nomination or have chosen to remain silent. As the Republican primary approaches, it remains to be seen if Trump can rally enough support within his own party to secure the nomination for the upcoming election.