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The The Hill: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) handed former President Trump an endorsement Friday in the wake of a failed assassination attempt on Trump last weekend, a reversal of his previous position.
“Mr. President, I know we have some differences, and you probably don’t like me much. And that’s OK,” Cox wrote in a letter to Trump, which he shared on the social platform X. “I’m not writing this letter looking for a position in your Cabinet or a role on your team.”
“I have told everyone that you are going to win the state of Utah and you are going to win the presidency again. You don’t need my help and support to do that However, you have a chance to do something that people have said is impossible,” the governor continued. “You have a chance to build a coalition of support that our country has not seen since Ronald Reagan.”
He added, “You, and only you, can be that kind of leader for us today.”
Cox’s letter to Trump is dated July 14, which was Sunday, one day after the terrifying rally shooting.
Recalling the moment of the attack and Trump rising from the ground, blood streaming down his face, Cox wrote, “And then you stood again and raised your fist to the air. The flag waving in the background. In that moment you represented the best of America at one of our very worst times. Bloodied but not bowed. Courage – literally – under fire.”
“As important as that immediate reaction was, I was even more impressed with the statements you you and Melania made afterwards. There was strength in those words, and also humility. It was a side of you most of us have not seen, and it gave so many of us tremendous hope for the future of our country,” Cox continued.
“By treating President Biden with basic human dignity and respect and by emphasizing unity rather than hate, you will win this election by an historic margin and become one of our nation’s most transformational leaders. By extending an olive branch to voters who are open to persuasion and ignoring the extremists, you can solidify a legacy as one of the most important presidents in our nation’s 250-year history. You can make your success, in leading our country to a new era of peace, unity, and prosperity, the greatest way to silence your critics,” Cox told Trump in the letter.
“I believe in our better angels, Mr. President, and I believe you are capable of being that kind of leader for this troubled nation,” he wrote.
Sharing a copy of his letter on social media Friday morning, Cox wrote, “Last Sunday I was feeling incredibly discouraged about our nation. After much prayer and searching about how to help heal our divides, I felt I needed to write former President Trump. I’m hopeful I can help in some small way.”
Last Sunday I was feeling incredibly discouraged about our nation. After much prayer and searching about how to help heal our divides, I felt I needed to write former President Trump. I’m hopeful I can help in some small way. pic.twitter.com/RBOgFTHE39
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) July 19, 2024
Republican Utah governor endorsing former President Trump in reversal https://t.co/C8GPTSnsuA
— The Hill (@thehill) July 19, 2024
