Grimm condemns Donovan after Trump endorsement: Endorsements can't change facts

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Republican House candidate Michael Grimm (N.Y.) waved off President Trump’s endorsement of his primary opponent, Rep. Dan Donovan (R-N.Y.) on Wednesday, saying that Donovan has voted against Trump “every time it’s mattered.”

“All the endorsements in the world can’t change the facts: Donovan has failed to pass even one substantive bill into law, and has voted against President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE every time it’s mattered – from failing to repeal Obamacare, to banning sanctuary cities, and even against tax cuts,” Grimm tweeted. 

Grimm’s comment came minutes after Trump endorsed Donovan in pair of tweets touting the Staten Island Republican, saying there is “no one better to represent” New York’s 11th District and suggesting that only Donovan could win the November election.

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“There is no one better to represent the people of N.Y. and Staten Island (a place I know very well) than @RepDanDonovan, who is strong on Borders & Crime, loves our Military & our Vets, voted for Tax Cuts and is helping me to Make America Great Again. Dan has my full endorsement!” Trump wrote in one tweet. 

Contrary to Trump’s claim, Donovan was among 12 Republicans to vote against the tax-cut package in December.

“Very importantly, @RepDanDonovan will win for the Republicans in November…and his opponent will not. Remember Alabama,” he added, apparently referencing former Alabama Senate candidate Roy MooreRoy Stewart MooreSessions goes after Tuberville’s coaching record in challenging him to debate The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip Sessions fires back at Trump over recusal: ‘I did my duty & you’re damn fortunate I did” MORE, who was vanquished in December by Democrat Doug Jones. “We can’t take any chances on losing to a Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiTrump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Pelosi: Georgia primary ‘disgrace’ could preview an election debacle in November MORE controlled Democrat!”

Trump’s endorsement followed one week after Donovan met with Trump and other GOP congressmen on a trip aboard Air Force One from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to New York.

Donovan said he and two Long Island Republicans, Rep. Pete KingPeter (Pete) KingOn The Money: 3 million more Americans file for unemployment benefits | Sanders calls for Senate to ‘improve’ House Democrats’ coronavirus bill | Less than 40 percent of small businesses have received emergency coronavirus loans GOP Rep. Pete King to buck party, vote for Democrats’ coronavirus relief bill Bipartisan lawmakers call for Postal Service relief MORE and Rep. Lee ZeldinLee ZeldinFlynn urged Russian diplomat to have ‘reciprocal’ response to Obama sanctions, new transcripts show The Hill’s Coronavirus Report: Surgeon General stresses need to invest much more in public health infrastructure, during and after COVID-19; Fauci hopeful vaccine could be deployed in December The Hill’s Coronavirus Report: Mnuchin sees ‘strong likelihood’ of another relief package; Warner says some businesses ‘may not come back’ at The Hill’s Advancing America’s Economy summit MORE joined Trump to discuss the MS-13 gang at a lunch roundtable.

Trump’s endorsement delivered a blow to Grimm, who has sought throughout his campaign to align himself closely with the president and to cast Donovan as an opponent of Trump.

Grimm and Donovan are set to face off in the district’s Republican primary on June 26.

Grimm, who finished an eight-month prison sentence in 2016 after he was convicted of tax fraud, has repeatedly hammered Donovan for failing to side with Trump in a vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act and a vote slashing funding for so-called sanctuary cities. 

Republicans, however, have widely backed Donovan in anticipation of a fierce Democratic challenge in the November midterm elections.

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