CNN
–
Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday withdrew his support from Alabama Senate Mo Brooks and promised to give a new endorsement in the race before the May 24 primary election.
Trump’s astonishing decision to secede from a candidate who became the first Republican congressman to vote against certification of the 2020 election result on January 6, 2021, comes amid several dismissive comments Brooks recently made about the election. Brooks was hailed at a demonstration in August last year when he told the audience that they should look beyond the last presidential contest. And for the past two weeks, he has publicly accused Trump of asking him to break the law by exploring ways to reinstate him as commander-in-chief.
“Mo Brooks of Alabama made a terrible mistake recently when he” woke up “and said, referring to the 2020 presidential fraud,” Put it behind you, put it behind you, “Trump said in a statement.
He continued, “When I heard this statement, I said, ‘Mo, you just blew up the election, and there’s nothing you can do about it.'”
Brooks will remain in the Senate race despite Trump’s decision, according to a source close to the congressman.
Trump, who promised to throw his weight behind another candidate in the “near future”, met with military veteran Mike Durant in Mar-a-Lago on Monday to discuss the race and get a better feel for the candidate, according to a person familiar with the meeting . He had previously told aides that he is skeptical of Durant, who received a major boost in the race in the form of spending from More Perfect Union, an external group committed to supporting moderate candidates in red and blue races.
Trump also met with former Alabama Business Council President Katie Britt earlier this year amid his frustrations over Brooks’ poor performance. As CNN has previously reported, Trump has told allies that he is impressed with Britt’s fundraising and has welcomed her husband, Wesley Britt, who played for the New England Patriots.
Britt served as chief of staff for retired senator Richard Shelby.
A spokesman for the Brooks campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.