President Trump has endorsed Mitt Romney for Utah’s open Senate seat. Trump tweeted his support Monday night and called Romney a “worthy successor” to outgoing Sen. Orrin Hatch.
.@MittRomney has announced he is running for the Senate from the wonderful State of Utah. He will make a great Senator and worthy successor to @OrrinHatch, and has my full support and endorsement!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2018
Romney thanked the president for his endorsement, adding that he hopes to earn support from Utahns.
Thank you Mr. President for the support. I hope that over the course of the campaign I also earn the support and endorsement of the people of Utah.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) February 20, 2018
Despite the endorsement, the two men have a rocky past. Trump passed over Romney last year for Secretary of State. The two have also criticized each other on Twitter numerous times since 2016.
If Trump had said 4 years ago the things he says today about the KKK, Muslims, Mexicans, disabled, I would NOT have accepted his endorsement
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) March 3, 2016
On Friday, the same day he announced his campaign, Romney has said he generally agrees with Trump’s policies, though not with everything the president says or does.
Some Utahns reacted to the exchange with outrage and disappointment Monday night. Several people, including his Democratic opponent, quoted old tweets of Romney's in which he had condemned President Trump.
So why did you accept it today?https://t.co/aE6NdMd1nW
— Jenny Wilson (@JennyWilsonUT) February 20, 2018
Not surprised by this sell out... And yet he'll be elected because of the (R) next to his name.... #Utpol https://t.co/OJkih9ygUw
— X- Danny 🏳️🌈🌈 (@UtesAvsfan) February 20, 2018
Mitt sells out 2 days into campaign. #utpol https://t.co/T5H8NBpLVt
— WPL (@weberblue1) February 20, 2018
