Trump-Endorsed GOP House Candidate Removed from Ballot

APR 20 2022·Updated APR 21 2022

Story

Image credit: Pool/AP [via Washington Post]

The Facts

The Tennessee GOP has voted to remove Morgan Ortagus, former President Trump's chosen candidate for a House Seat, from the state's primary ballot along with two other candidates.
NBC
The Party ruled that the three candidates did not meet its bylaws, which include having voted in at least 3 of the last 4 Republican primaries.
CBS News
Ortagus, a former State Dept. spokesperson during the Trump admin. who moved to TN last year, received Trump's endorsement earlier this year before officially announcing her campaign.
New York Post
In response to the decision, Ortagus called herself a "bona fide Republican" and expressed disappointment that "party insiders" did not share her commitment to what she called "President Trump's America First policies."
Independent
Trump has yet to comment on the decision.
wapo
This comes as several high-profile Republicans - including Madison Cawthorn (R-NC) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) - face challenges to their re-election bids for their alleged roles in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots.
wapo

Sources Split

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RIGHT

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The Spin

Pro-Trump narrative

Trump's endorsement of Ortagus was always a bit of a head-scratcher. She's the quintessential party insider - a typical neoconservative, establishment figure always looking for a government paycheck. She doesn't embody the MAGA movement, and her ouster is no big loss for Trump or his movement.

Red State

Democratic narrative

Trump has gone against his advisors in making a number of questionable endorsements in the 2022 primary races, which may put his political brand in jeopardy. Perhaps the disgraced former President is finally about to lose his status as Republican kingmaker?