Despite an unprecedented number of scandals and impeachments during his time in the White House, former President Donald Trump's grip on the Republican party is firm as ever.
The former President leads by wide margins in the slate of expected candidates for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024, and though he lost reelection in 2020, the skepticism of journalists and far-right conspiracy theories he embraced are still pervasive among Republican voters.
So it's no wonder why Republican candidates are clamoring for his endorsement ahead of primary season for the 2022 midterms. Some, apparently, are even falsely suggesting Trump's already given them his "Complete and Total Endorsement!"
The eagerness with which Republican contenders for elected office have painted themselves as the most Trump-loyal candidates has gotten the attention of Trump himself—and he doesn't seem to like it one bit.
Outgoing Trump aide Jason Miller refuted one such announcement on Twitter.
This posting is FAKE. President Trump has NOT endorsed in the race for Governor in New Jersey.pic.twitter.com/AIfzENwg6a— Jason Miller (@Jason Miller) 1623078001
Former Trump Campaign manager Corey Lewandowski told Politico approach news of Trump endorsements with a grain of salt.
"Lots of candidates pretend to have the support of President Trump. Most are full of s**t. You will know when President Trump endorses someone."
Politico further reports that Trump has grown furious at candidates even implying they've been given his endorsement. The report details Trump's reaction to an Alabama Senate campaign ad for Lynda Blanchard, who donated $1 million to Trump's campaign and served as his ambassador to Slovenia (Melania Trump's home country).
The ad, released in February, heavily touts Blanchard's connections to Trump, emphasizing that she'd never thought of serving in public office "until President Trump asked [her] to." Blanchard describes herself as a "proud member of the MAGA movement" who's "grateful for the leadership and courage" of former President Trump. One prominent shot in the ad features the back of Blanchard's pickup truck, adorned with a pro-Trump bumper sticker.
Trump was reportedly enraged by the heavy use of his name in the ad, and even endorsed Blanchard's opponent—far-right Congressman Mo Brooks—an entire year ahead of the Republican primaries.
People couldn't help but mock the candidates for still clamoring for Trump's approval.
Endorsement....He cost the GQP both Georgia Senate seats with his endorsements. lol— MotorCity (@MotorCity) 1623680698
Who would want a Trump endorsement? It\u2019s the kiss of death!— WOTW (@WOTW) 1623684830
What is more pathetic? Begging for a Trump endorsement or being such a loser you fake that you have one?\n\n(Answer\u2026both)\n\n'Full of s---': Candidates warned not to fake Trump endorsement https://politi.co/35hmDYP\u00a0 via @politico— Fred Wellman (@Fred Wellman) 1623763004
Y\u2019all, Republicans want an endorsement from Trump so bad that they\u2019re literally making it up!https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/14/candidates-fake-trump-endorsement-494100\u00a0\u2026— Democratic Governors (@Democratic Governors) 1623766021
Imagine clamoring and begging to be endorsed by a twice impeached, lying, crooked sexual predator who demonstrates at every press conference and interview just how vapid and ignorant he ishttps://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/14/candidates-fake-trump-endorsement-494100\u00a0\u2026— Jason \ud83c\udfb8 (@Jason \ud83c\udfb8) 1623673649
Others said Trump brought it on himself by embracing lies throughout his term.
Trump is mad because a lot of GQP candidates are lying about being endorsed by him. Surprised liars would lie about being endorsed by a lying liar?https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/14/candidates-fake-trump-endorsement-494100\u00a0\u2026— Duty To Warn \ud83d\udd09 (@Duty To Warn \ud83d\udd09) 1623668680
Well that\u2019s what happens when you cultivate liars!\nTraitors turn on traitors.— Let\u2019s Ride (@Let\u2019s Ride) 1623681201
They're just following Trump's lead, making up stuff and trying to make it real. He should feel happy about that. Good mentoring!— Paul Galvin (@Paul Galvin) 1623689735
There's virtually no question that Alabama will elect a Republican to the Senate in 2022. The question is which Republican.
@WhiteHouse/X
Oh My God Reaction GIF 
@repjeffries/Instagram