Trump rips Bob Good ahead of Virginia primary
Former President Trump took a swing at Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) on social media Monday, ahead of the Old Dominion state's GOP primary.
“Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA!” Trump posted Truth Social.
Good, the chair of the House Freedom Caucus, has drawn criticism from Trump after he endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in the GOP presidential primary. Good has since shifted his support to Trump after DeSantis dropped out of the race earlier this year, but the former president appears to be holding a grudge.
“He turned his back on our incredible Movement, and was constantly attacking and fighting me until recently, when he gave me a warm and ‘loving’ Endorsement — But really, it was too late! The damage had been done,” Trump said.
In Tuesday’s primary, Good will face state Sen. John McGuire (R), who earned Trump’s endorsement.
Using his signature catch phrase, the former president said he thinks McGuire is the person who can help him "Make America Great Again," calling the former Navy Seal “a true American Hero.”
Trump said he thinks McGuire will be tough on crime, particularly correcting “the situation” at the southern border.
“He is strong on crime, will protect our great Military/Vets, lower Taxes, and will always defend our under siege Second Amendment,” Trump said. “VIRGINIA, GET OUT AND VOTE FOR JOHN MCGUIRE TOMORROW – HE HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!”
During a tele-rally Monday for McGuire, Trump said that if Good is reelected “he will stab Virginia in the back, sort of like he did with me.”
McGuire has also earned the support from other influential Republicans, including former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) Majority Committee PAC.
Fellow Freedom Caucus member Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) also backed McGuire, a stunning move that highlights how much trouble Good could be in.
The Virginia Republican has received several endorsements himself, however, including Trump allies Steve Bannon and Florida GOP Reps. Matt Gaetz and Byron Donalds.
The state’s 5th District stretches from western Richmond to the North Carolina border. The district is a safe Republican seat, but the intraparty battle has brought more eyes to the primary race.
If Good loses Tuesday, he could become the first lawmaker this cycle to lose to a non-incumbent.
He has attempted to campaign as a Trump ally with yard signs and even showing up at the courthouse to support the former president during his hush money trial last month.
The Hill has reached out to Good for comment.