Politico described it as a scene right out of “The Apprentice.” One attendee likened it to the “Hunger Games.” At one point, a political candidate bragged that he was a “killer” who was going “balls to the wall.”
The ringmaster of this colorful circus? Former president Donald Trump.
On Wednesday night, Trump held a fundraiser for an Ohio congressional candidate at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The event attracted four of the leading GOP contenders for the Senate seat being vacated by Ohio’s Rob Portman in 2022.
Politico reports that Trump held a private meeting with the foursome…and it got heated. They reportedly took turns pointing out their donations to Trump, their public support of him, and their willingness to adopt his agenda. Two of the candidates bickered about who had the polling advantage. Trump quizzed them on past statements he found insufficiently loyal.
The meeting, which was reportedly filled with “backstabbing,” is the latest sign that Trump remains a GOP kingmaker focused on ridding the party of characters that are out of sync with his priorities. He’s particularly hellbent on punishing Republicans who voted for his impeachment.
Politico broke the story. Read their full article for a bevy of jaw-dropping details:
Trump secretly summoned four GOP Senate candidates for a backroom meeting. It turned into a "Hunger Games"-style showdown.https://t.co/07CRSqNMDp
— POLITICO (@politico) March 26, 2021