Lara Trump, co-chair of the Republican National Committee, has criticized Larry Hogan, the Republican nominee for Senate in Maryland, for urging Americans to respect the verdict in former President Trump's criminal trial. Trump's daughter-in-law said Hogan "doesn't deserve" the respect of the GOP and that his comments were "ridiculous."
Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump has launched a scathing attack on Larry Hogan, the Republican nominee for Senate in Maryland, after he urged Americans to "respect the verdict and the legal process" regardless of the outcome of former President Trump's criminal trial.
Trump's daughter-in-law said Hogan's comments were "ridiculous" and that he "doesn't deserve the respect" of anyone in the GOP. She also questioned whether the RNC would support Hogan's Senate bid in light of his remarks.
Hogan's comments drew the ire of many Republicans, who view them as a betrayal of Trump. The former president has repeatedly attacked the trial as politically motivated and has vowed to continue fighting the charges.
Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree on Thursday after two days of jury deliberations in New York. The charges were related to a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels, who says she was paid to remain silent about a sexual encounter she had with Trump in 2006, which Trump denies.
Hogan has been critical of the former president in the past and has said he wouldn't vote for him in 2024. His comments on the trial are likely to further alienate him from Trump's supporters.
The Maryland Senate race is seen as a key battleground in the 2024 congressional elections. A Republican in a blue state, Hogan is facing an uphill battle against Democratic Rep. Chris Van Hollen.
Hogan's victory in the Senate GOP primary turned what was viewed as a likely Democratic hold this year into a competitive general election race. However, his recent comments could damage his chances of winning.
Lara Trump's criticism of Hogan is a sign of the deep divide within the Republican Party over Trump. The former president remains popular with many GOP voters, but he is also a polarizing figure who has alienated many moderate and independent voters.
It remains to be seen whether Hogan can overcome the damage caused by his comments and win the Senate race in Maryland. However, Lara Trump's criticism is a clear indication that he will not be receiving any support from the Republican National Committee.
In response to Hogan's comments, senior Trump campaign adviser Chris LaCivita said, "You just ended your campaign."
Hogan has not yet responded to Lara Trump's criticism. However, he is likely to face further pressure from Republicans to withdraw his support for the trial verdict.
The Maryland Senate race is one of the most closely watched in the country. The outcome of the race could have a major impact on the balance of power in the Senate.
