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GOP Candidates Tout Phantom Trump Endorsements as His Team Polices Claims

Trump’s backing remains a coveted lever inside the party, enticing campaigns to hint at support they have not received.

Overview

  • Trump’s political operation sent a cease-and-desist to Texas congressional hopeful Brandon Herrera over an allegedly edited mailer photo that implied a picture with the president, even as Trump backs Rep. Tony Gonzales.
  • Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy is running ads highlighting his work with Trump despite the president endorsing Cassidy’s primary opponent, Rep. Julia Letlow.
  • In Georgia, former state Sen. Colton Moore is branding himself as “Trump’s #1 Defender” even though Trump publicly boosted rival Clayton Fuller on stage last week.
  • North Dakota candidate Alex Balazs posted a mock phone-call video that suggested presidential support, which he later said was a joke.
  • Republican strategists warn that misleading claims can backfire, citing Trump’s ability to blast candidates on Truth Social and deploy campaign resources to reinforce his true endorsements.