Former President Donald Trump on Monday endorsed John Gibbs, a former member of his administration, in a GOP primary challenge against Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI-03).
Trump, who has remained critical of Meijer after the incumbent supported an impeachment resolution against the former president, said that Gibbs would better represent the district.
“John Gibbs is a fabulous talent who loves the State, our Military, and our Vets. He will always protect our Second Amendment, our Southern Border, and the Police—there will be no defunding with John! An undergraduate of Stanford with a master’s degree from Harvard, he will fight hard for the great people of Michigan,” Trump said in the statement.
Gibbs, who recently launched his campaign, worked under Secretary Ben Carson at the Department of Housing and Urban Development during the Trump administration.
While endorsing Gibbs, Trump also took aim at “RINO” Meijer.
“Unlike Peter Meijer, he will not turn his back on Michigan. Importantly, John was also a member of my 1776 Commission, and will be strong on education issues. John Gibbs has my Complete and Total Endorsement!” he continued.
Since announcing his campaign, Gibbs has gathered widespread support from leaders and former Trump officials.
“John Gibbs is the type of person we need in Congress. He’s pragmatic, compassionate & firm in his beliefs which are driven by God & duty to country. John served under me for 4 years at HUD and was an outstanding leader who can get things done,” said former HUD secretary Ben Carson.
When asked about the challenge, Meijer seemed dismissive of the challenge.
“I never knew who this gentleman was before I heard he was running and haven’t found any connection he has to West Michigan. It is a wonderful place and I look forward to welcoming him to it,” Meijer told CNN reporter Manu Raju.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “John Gibbs” by United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Photo “Donald Trump” by Trump White House Archived. Background Photo “U.S. Capitol” by David Maiolo. CC BY-SA 3.0.