Former President Donald Trump endorses Rep. Kevin McCarthy for another term in Congress

Former President Donald Trump endorsed House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy for another term in Congress on Saturday, calling him “an outstanding Representative for the people of California, and a strong and fearless Leader of the House Republican Conference.”

“In Congress, Kevin is a tireless advocate for the people of Bakersfield and the Central Valley. He is working incredibly hard to Stop Inflation, Deliver Water Solutions, and Hold Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi Accountable for their catastrophic failures and dereliction of duty,” Trump said in his endorsement.

“As Leader, Kevin is building a ‘Commitment to America’ platform to Grow our Economy, Fight Big Tech Censorship, Secure the Border, Strengthen our Military, Defend the Second Amendment, Improve our Health Care, Restore American Energy Independence, Support our Brave Veterans, and Uphold the Rule of Law and American Values.”

The endorsement comes nearly two months after the release of tapes featuring McCarthy privately bashing Trump in the immediate aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The two have maintained a good relationship since this incident.

Recordings of McCarthy speaking with Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) revealed McCarthy “seriously thinking” of having a conversation with Trump to recommend that he resign. “I’ve had it with this guy,” McCarthy added. “What he did was unacceptable. Nobody can defend that, and nobody should defend it.”

Trump and McCarthy praised each other last month at a GOP fundraising event, with the California Republican referring to the former President as the GOP’s’ “secret weapon” and suggesting he could win the White House again, sources who were in the room previously told CNN. Trump also spoke highly of McCarthy throughout his speech at the event, according to sources, saying, “Kevin’s been with me from the beginning.”

Trump on Saturday also announced a series of other endorsements for Republican candidates, including US Sen. Chuck Grassley, Gov. Kim Reynolds, and Reps. Ashley Hinson and Randy Feenstra – all of Iowa, and US Rep. Tom McClintock of California.