Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) has become the latest target of President Donald Trump’s campaign to replace Republican legislators who challenge his agenda.
In a recent Truth Social post, Trump accused Boebert of being “dumb” and a “carpetbagger,” stating it would be his “honor” to undermine her candidacy in favor of a more “proper” primary challenger. The president singled out Boebert for supporting Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) in the May 19 Kentucky GOP primary, where Massie is campaigning against Trump’s handpicked replacement, Ed Gallrein.
Trump questioned whether anyone would run against Boebert in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District, adding: “A Carpetbagger, indeed!” he declared. “Boebert is campaigning for the Worst ‘Republican’ Congressman in the History of our Country, Thomas Massie… and anybody who can be that dumb deserves a good Primary fight!”
Boebert, who has a 93-percent score on a constitutional voting record index, defended her stance. “Yes, I saw the President’s post,” she said. “No, I’m not mad or offended. I knew the risks when I agreed to stand by my friend Thomas Massie.” She reiterated that she remains committed to America First and MAGA.
Marjorie Taylor Greene highlighted the pattern of Trump targeting lawmakers who advocated accountability for Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. According to Greene, only four Republican congressmen originally supported a discharge petition to release Epstein files: “Thomas Massie, Nancy Mace, Lauren Boebert, and myself.” She noted that Trump has systematically attacked these constitutionalists since then.
Trump’s use of endorsements as political leverage is not new. The president has pre-selected candidates who have yet to announce their candidacy or even live in the district they are seeking to represent. For instance, he endorsed Florida’s former chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis for Congress in Florida’s 1st District before Patronis showed any interest in running. Similarly, Trump pre-endorsed Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) for governor of Florida.
The president has also endorsed two candidates for the same office, including the 2022 Missouri GOP primary for U.S. Senate where he supported “ERIC” without a last name — a move that confused voters and created division.
Currently, Trump is endorsing both Karrin Taylor Robson and Congressman Andy Biggs in Arizona’s gubernatorial primary.
The president’s endorsement carries significant weight and often decides elections before they begin.