Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley was widely mocked for endorsing former President Donald Trump's 2024 bid just days after Trump issued a bizarre veiled threat.
Hawley's endorsement comes after previous speculation and comments indicating his belief that Trump's renomination within the Republican Party was an inevitable outcome.
However, Hawley had not formalized his support until recently. Over the weekend, Trump issued a cautionary note to Hawley and Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, suggesting they would pay a price for not endorsing him earlier.
Trump wrote the following on Truth Social, which was characterized as "a mob boss warning" by liberal activist Ron Filipkowski:
"So interesting that the Democrats are looking hard at the Senate races in both Missouri and Texas. Josh and Ted must be very careful, stranger things have happened!!!"
You can see Trump's post below.
Shortly afterward, Hawley issued the following—rather nervous sounding—statement:
"President Trump doesn’t need to worry. I’m with him. He's asked me several times to support him. I said yes."
"And I've been saying for a year that I think he's gonna be the nominee. I support him. I'm gonna vote for him."
“Don't worry — you can put me down as support, endorsed, stand with.”
Hawley was swiftly mocked.
Previously, Hawley had hinted at his belief that Trump would ultimately secure the GOP nomination for president but had not taken the explicit step of offering a full endorsement. His prior comments indicated his confidence in Trump's candidacy
Hawley had said "I don't think the primary is a real contest," adding that he "will absolutely support him against" President Joe Biden, who is under an impeachment inquiry.
The inquiry, which accuses Biden of influence peddling without providing any evidence that he was involved in son Hunter Biden's business dealings. The younger Biden has been the subject of GOP-led investigations into his business interests and in September was indicted on federal gun charges.
Conveniently, they completely ignore the actual influence peddling and self-dealing that the Trump family engaged in during his four years in office.
@WhiteHouse/X
