Trump receives endorsement from influential GOP senator

Sen. Steve Daines, the top Republican fundraiser in the Senate, has backed Donald Trump’s bid to retake the White House in 2024 in what could be one of the ex-president’s most crucial endorsements since announcing his run.

Daines, the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, made the announcement Monday during an appearance on Donald Trump Jr.’s “Triggered” podcast, where he called the former president’s time in the Oval Office “the best four years I’ve had in the US Senate.” 

“I’m proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for president of the United States,” Daines said during his interview with Trump’s eldest son, citing the 76-year-old ex-commander-in-chief’s accomplishments and vows to secure the southern border and “finish building the wall.”

Daines also laid into Trump’s potential 2024 opponent, President Biden, calling him a “weak leader” who “empowers and emboldens our adversaries.”

“Leadership matters as we’ve seen the contrast between the Biden administration and what your father accomplished during his four years,” Daines argued.

Daines, the leader of the Senate campaign arm, could be one of Trump’s most important endorsement pick-ups so far this cycle due to the Montana Republican’s connections with the biggest donors in Republican politics, who have been hesitant to back Trump’s 2024 run.

The endorsement from Daines is another hit to Trump’s top potential 2024 GOP rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to announce his White House run this summer and is second to Trump in most 2024 GOP primary polls. 

The majority of Florida’s congressional delegation has already endorsed Trump over the Sunshine State’s governor. 

The Trump campaign has also been attempting to lure some of DeSantis’ top donors, firing off a memo to the governor’s top contributors earlier this month arguing that they should switch allegiances. 

“The two things the memo illustrates are the President’s huge numbers and Governor Ron DeSantis’ collapsing numbers,” the Trump campaign memo reads. “Now is the time to demonstrate your support and join” Trump’s 2024 effort.