Listen to the article
In a blistering critique that has sent ripples through Republican circles, former Rep. Bob Good publicly condemned President Donald Trump’s endorsement record, suggesting voters would be better served using the president’s picks as a guide for whom not to support.
“Truth…face it…Trump IS the problem…not his advisors (that he picks because they say nice things about him on TV)…Trump himself…you would literally do better by using Trump’s endorsement to know who NOT to vote for,” Good wrote on X on Tuesday.
The pointed rebuke comes from a lawmaker with firsthand experience facing Trump’s political influence. Good, who previously served as the House Freedom Caucus chair, lost his 2024 Republican congressional primary in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District to Trump-backed challenger John McGuire. McGuire subsequently won the general election and now holds the House seat formerly occupied by Good.
During that contentious primary race, Trump repeatedly criticized Good on his Truth Social platform, declaring that “Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA.” The public feud highlighted growing divisions within the Republican Party about the direction of its leadership and policy priorities.
Good has intensified his criticism in recent weeks. Last week, he claimed “Trump LIKES RINOS…based on his endorsement history,” using the pejorative acronym for “Republicans In Name Only” that typically targets party members seen as insufficiently conservative. In February, Good went further, asserting that “Trump has never made an endorsement based on the principles, character, policy positions, or qualifications of a candidate or elected official.”
This intraparty conflict reflects broader tensions within Republican ranks as the party navigates its post-2020 identity. Trump’s endorsement has been considered a valuable political asset for Republican candidates across the country, often determining the outcome of competitive primaries. However, Good’s criticism suggests growing skepticism about the merit of those endorsements among some conservative factions.
Good isn’t alone in his assessment. Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a steadfast Trump ally who left Congress early this year amid her own falling out with the president, has similarly criticized Trump’s endorsement strategy. In January, Greene wrote on X that “Trump’s endorsements do not drain the swamp, his endorsements solidify the swamp and ensure the swamp is never drained.”
The criticisms from Good and Greene highlight a fundamental disagreement about Trump’s approach to reshaping the Republican Party. During his presidency and afterward, Trump has emphasized loyalty in his endorsements, often backing candidates who demonstrate personal allegiance rather than those who might align most closely with the conservative policy agenda that defined his administration’s achievements.
Political analysts note that Trump’s endorsement strategy has evolved since he first entered politics. While early endorsements often targeted anti-establishment candidates, critics argue that his more recent picks have sometimes favored candidates with stronger connections to traditional Republican power centers.
The Republican National Committee, which Trump now effectively controls through his appointed leadership, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Good’s remarks. The silence is notable given the organization’s typically swift defense of the former president.
As primary season continues across the country, Trump’s role as a Republican kingmaker remains significant but increasingly complicated. His endorsements continue to carry substantial weight with the party’s base voters, yet the growing criticism from former allies suggests potential cracks in his influence as the party looks toward future elections.
For candidates seeking Trump’s endorsement, the calculus remains complex – his support typically delivers a surge of grassroots enthusiasm and fundraising potential, but may also alienate certain Republican factions that share the concerns voiced by Good and Greene about the direction of the party.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
14 Comments
Intraparty disputes are never easy, but it’s healthy for Republicans to debate the direction of their leadership. Voters deserve candidates who can stand on their own, not just rely on Trump’s seal of approval.
Agreed. While Trump retains significant influence, Republicans should think critically about all their options, not just default to his preferred candidates.
Good raises an intriguing point about using Trump’s endorsements as a guide for whom not to support. It’s a counterintuitive approach, but one that some voters may find compelling as they evaluate candidates.
Agreed. It’s a novel way to look at Trump’s influence, and could prompt more scrutiny of his endorsement decisions. Voters should make their own informed choices, regardless of who the former president backs.
Interesting to see a former GOP colleague criticizing Trump’s endorsement track record. It highlights the growing divides within the party over the direction of its leadership. Curious to see how this plays out going forward.
I agree, it’s a bold move for Good to publicly call out Trump’s endorsement choices. Reflects the internal tensions the party is grappling with.
While I respect Good’s willingness to call out Trump, I’m not sure his critique will gain much traction. The former president’s base remains loyal, and many Republicans are still wary of going against him publicly.
That’s a fair assessment. Trump’s grip on the party is still strong, so it remains to be seen how much impact Good’s comments will have. Voters will ultimately decide what they value most.
This is an interesting development in the ongoing power struggle within the GOP. It will be telling to see if other prominent Republicans follow Good’s lead in questioning Trump’s endorsement strategy.
Valid point. Voters should weigh all candidates based on their own merits, not just their alignment with Trump. Healthy debate within the party is important.
This is a noteworthy development in the Republican Party’s internal dynamics. It will be interesting to see if Good’s critique gains traction or if Trump’s endorsement power remains largely undiminished.
Good raises a valid point, but it remains to be seen how much impact his comments will have. Trump’s base is still a powerful force within the GOP, so it may be an uphill battle to erode his influence over endorsements.
This certainly adds an intriguing wrinkle to the Republican political landscape. Trump’s influence remains strong, but it will be worth watching if more party figures echo Good’s skepticism of the former president’s endorsements.
Good raises a fair point – Trump’s endorsement record has been mixed at best. Voters should evaluate candidates on their own merits, not just based on the former president’s backing.