Trump endorses challenger to Freedom Caucus chair Bob Good ahead of closely watched Virginia primary

WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump has endorsed the Republican opponent of a Virginia congressman who leads the hard-right House Freedom Caucus in what could be a defining moment in the GOP primary set for June 18. The former president did not forget and took revenge three weeks before primary day, saying of Good, “he turned his back on our incredible movement.” Trump had been leaning toward McGuire but had not yet made a decision on endorsing when he and Good both showed up to accompany him to court in New York on May 16, according to a person close to Trump who asked to speak anonymously to share private deliberations. “I’ve been with Trump since he came down the escalator and when I’m in Congress, I’ll back his agenda and put America First!” Good was among the parade of GOP lawmakers and allies who have appeared with Trump at his New York City trial as a sign of support. “They all know I am the true conservative in this race who is committed to reversing the Biden agenda and putting America back on track to be great again as it was in President Trump’s first term,” Good said. Good’s campaign website, even after Trump had announced he was backing McGuire, still included on Tuesday afternoon a large picture of Trump and Good under the headline, “Who’s supporting Bob.” The website included Trump’s praise of the congressman and noted that the comments were from the 2022 election.