Trump distances himself from endorsed candidate Cory Mills after primary loss, backs opponent

Published Aug 19, 03:52 PM UTC

Following Cory Mills's defeat in Florida's Republican primary on August 18, 2026, President Trump publicly reversed his earlier endorsement, claiming he had advised Mills to drop out. Trump took to Truth Social to endorse Mills's opponent, Ryan Elijah, calling him a 'great candidate' who 'stands for EVERYTHING MAGA.' Trump had endorsed Mills in February 2025 and remained silent as Mills faced numerous allegations including sexual misconduct, harassment, campaign finance violations, and a Department of Justice investigation. Mills lost his primary by 12 points, the same margin by which Trump carried the district in 2024. The article characterizes Trump's move as an attempt to distance himself from a losing candidate after the fact.