Will Hurd, former GOP congressman, booed off stage for saying Trump ‘is running to stay out of prison’.

Will Hurd, former GOP congressman, booed off stage for saying Trump 'is running to stay out of prison'.

Former Congressman Will Hurd Faces Backlash for Criticizing Trump

Former Congressman Will Hurd felt the force of former President Donald Trump’s influence on the Republican Party during a recent speech in front of Iowa Republicans. Hurd, who is running for the GOP presidential nomination, made the bold move of directly calling out Trump by name at the Iowa Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner.

“Donald Trump is not running for president to represent people that voted for him in 2016 and 2020,” Hurd declared. “Donald Trump is running to stay out of prison.” The crowd did not take kindly to this statement, and their displeasure was made clear through loud boos.

The strong negative reaction to Hurd’s remarks could be heard on the live stream of the event, but it was even more palpable for those in attendance. As the booing persisted, Hurd swiftly wrapped up his speech.

It’s no surprise that attacking Trump directly in Iowa would draw such a response. Iowa is well-known for its first-in-the-nation caucuses, making it a critical state in the presidential nomination process. Showing any hint of opposition to Trump is seen as a risky move for Republican candidates.

The Des Moines Register’s chief politics reporter, Brianne Pfannenstiel, commented on the incident, saying, “If you’re wondering what happens when Republican presidential candidates attack Donald Trump directly in Iowa… Exhibit A.”

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Hurd has been openly critical of Trump throughout his campaign. As the only Black Republican in the House during his three terms representing Texas, Hurd has not shied away from speaking out against the former president. However, his campaign has struggled to gain traction on the national stage, and he is not expected to qualify for the upcoming Republican presidential primary debate.

Hurd’s critique of Trump comes on the heels of renewed attention on Trump’s legal troubles. A superseding indictment has added additional charges to the special counsel’s probe into Trump’s mishandling of classified documents. Trump, of course, has denied any wrongdoing.

Interestingly, Trump had yet to address the Iowa Republicans when Hurd launched his attack. Former Vice President Mike Pence, who has publicly distanced himself from the former president, had already spoken to the crowd earlier in the evening. Pence emphasized that the event was not the appropriate platform for candidates to discuss their differences.

Following Hurd’s controversial remarks, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez lightened the mood by joking, “Thank Will, you just made it very easy for me. It’s good to come in off a boo.”

While Hurd’s bold move may have garnered boos and backlash, it also highlights the uncompromising loyalty that many Republican voters still feel toward Trump. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by GOP candidates who choose not to align themselves closely with the former president.

The path to securing the Republican nomination in Iowa and ultimately the presidency appears to be intrinsically tied to Trump’s influence. Whether this devoted following can endure or if it will shift with time remains to be seen. However, for now, it’s clear that any direct criticism of Trump will face fierce opposition from his loyal base in the Republican Party.

• Donald Trump
• Iowa
• will hurd