GOP gubernatorial candidate Gregg Youngkin (L), Former President Donald Trump (R).
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Trump hit out at Gov. Youngkin, taking credit for his political rise and claiming his name “sounds Chinese.”
There has been speculation that Youngkin might run for president in 2024.
Trump has been lashing out at political rivals amid hints of his imminent plans to announce a 2024 bid.
Former President Donald Trump lashed out at Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin amid speculation that the governor might run for president in 2024.
Writing on Truth Social on Friday, Trump bizarrely commented that the governor’s name, which he spelled “Young Kin” “sounds Chinese.”
Trump also took credit for Youngkin’s political rise, claiming that he would not have become governor without his endorsement.
“I Endorsed him, did a very big Trump Rally for him telephonically, got MAGA to Vote for him – or he couldn’t have come close to winning. But he knows that, and admits it,” Trump wrote.
Youngkin dismissed Trump’s comments while speaking to reporters on Friday and said he was focused on bringing people together.
“Listen, you all know me, I do not call people names,” the governor said. “I really work hard to bring people together and that’s what we’re working on.”
“That’s not the way I roll and not the way I behave,” he added.
Youngkin has previously declined to comment on whether he would run in 2024, stating in October that he was “focused right now on being the best governor in Virginia that I can possibly be.”
Trump has been heavily hinting that he plans to announce a 2024 run on November 15, promising a “big announcement” is to come.
In recent days Trump has also lashed out at his political rival Gov. Ron DeSantis, who he has nicknamed Ron DeSanctimonious.
Following lackluster midterm results for the Republican party, particularly Trump-endorsed candidates, Trump has received rare criticism from within his party, with reports saying that many are urging him to delay his 2024 announcement.
Reports suggest that the former president is furious about the midterm results behind closed doors, and that he is becoming increasingly isolated as members of his inner circle grow tired of his ranting.