Trump supports Bob Good’s primary opponent, dealing a blow to the leader of the Freedom Caucus

Former President Donald Trump endorsed the Republican candidate challenging Rep. Bob Good’s (R-VA) reelection, dealing a blow to the House Freedom Caucus chairman as he seeks a third term in the lower chamber.

Trump offered his coveted endorsement to John McGuire on Tuesday, giving the Virginia challenger a boost in what has shaped up to be one of the most closely watched primaries in the 2024 cycle. The endorsement comes as Good has attracted the ire of several of his GOP colleagues, with many going so far as to back his challenger.

“Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA. He turned his back on our incredible movement, and was constantly attacking and fighting me until recently, when he gave a warm and ‘loving’ Endorsement — But really, it was too late. The damage had been done!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “I just want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and the person that can most help me do that is Navy Seal and highly respected State Legislator, John McGuire, a true American Hero.”

Both Good and McGuire recently appeared at Trump’s hush money trial in New York City to support the former president, but it made for an awkward encounter as both men were seeking to gain Trump’s backing in their races.

Good first crossed Trump by backing Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) for the GOP presidential nomination early last year before reversing course after the Florida governor suspended his campaign. But Trump’s campaign was quick to suggest such a move could be fatal to Good’s reelection.

“Bob Good won’t be electable when we get done with him,” Chris LaCivita, a senior adviser to Trump’s presidential campaign, told Cardinal News in January.

The Virginia Republican has also attracted ire from his Republican colleagues by developing a reputation on Capitol Hill for routinely voting against legislation — even bills introduced by his own party. He has also routinely vowed to vote against must-pass spending legislation if certain demands related to border security are not met, going so far as to threaten government shutdowns to make a point.

He was also one of eight Republicans to vote last October to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, careening the House into a leaderless three-week period filled with infighting.

The high-profile challenge comes as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has implored members not to get involved with other members’ primaries, instead urging Republicans to project a sense of unity ahead of the 2024 election. However, several members have actively appeared at campaign events alongside McGuire, raising questions about Good’s survival.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Trump’s endorsement of McGuire is only expected to make that more difficult. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) is reportedly expected to appear alongside McGuire for campaign events on June 5 and 6, giving the state lawmaker another boost from a high-profile House Republican and staunch Trump ally.

The Virginia primary is scheduled to take place on June 18.