OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Former President Donald Trump took aim at a little-known 2024 GOP presidential contender and former U.S. congressman after he dropped out of the race on Monday and endorsed another candidate.
Will Hurd, a moderate Republican from Texas, ended his presidential aspirations after failing to gain much ground with voters and threw his support behind former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who served as UN ambassador during Trump’s term.
“Ambassador Haley has shown a willingness to articulate a different vision for the country than Donald Trump and has an unmatched grasp on the complexities of our foreign policy,” Hurd wrote on the X platform. “I wholeheartedly endorse Ambassador Haley and look forward to supporting her for the remainder of this race.”
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to respond, using the “birdbrain” nickname he has given Haley.
“It’s about time! Will Hurd, the failed former Congressman from the great State of Texas, who decided not to run for Congress again because he did an ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE JOB (ZERO Personality!), and couldn’t win, has just now decided to drop out of the 2024 Presidential Campaign where he, likewise, drew ‘flies!’ He is a nasty and jealous guy, who truly doesn’t have what it takes. Luckily for him, he couldn’t make the Debate Stage, but went out with a bang – He endorsed Birdbrain!” Trump wrote.
In his lengthy X post, Hurd said that while he didn’t gain the kind of traction he sought, he did manage to connect with many Americans who he said shared his vision.
“When I first entered the Republican presidential primary field in June, I knew I was a dark horse candidate with a path to victory that would contain many obstacles. But as I traveled across the country, I met so many Americans who believed in my campaign’s message of unity and common sense,” he wrote.
“In 14 short weeks, my team and I matched the accomplishments of many of the other candidates in the race who had significantly higher name ID and cash advantage. I am honored to have had the support of the people who made this possible,” he added, noting further:
Unfortunately, it has become clear to me and my team that the time has come to suspend our campaign. While I appreciate all the time and energy our supporters have given, it is important to recognize the realities of the political landscape and the need to consolidate our party around one person to defeat both Donald Trump and President Biden. I urge donors, voters, and other candidates to unite around an alternative candidate to Trump. Otherwise, we will repeat the same errors as in 2016. If the Republican party nominates Donald Trump or the various personalities jockeying to imitate his divisive, crass behavior, we will lose.
I entered this race for a few simple reasons. First, to do what I can to ensure this experiment called America lasts for another 247 years. Second, Americans deserve better than the rematch from hell between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Third, not enough people are talking about real, achievable solutions to the generation-defining challenges that are in front of us, including artificial intelligence, our new Cold War with China, and the complexity of the ongoing crisis at our southern border.
Hurd then turned his focus on Haley.
“Our nation deserves a leader who can unite us and navigate the complex challenges we face, particularly when it comes to our national security. I believe Ambassador Nikki Haley is the best person in this race to do that. Ambassador Haley has shown a willingness to articulate a different vision for the country than Donald Trump and has an unmatched grasp on the complexities of our foreign policy. I wholeheartedly endorse Ambassador Haley and look forward to supporting her for the remainder of this race,” he added.
