Donald Trump claimed on his Truth Social platform a complete victory for his endorsements in the Republican primaries on May 19. According to Guardian, Trump wrote that “100 percent” of his candidates had won, citing “clean sweeps” in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Idaho, Oregon, and Kentucky. Indeed, the Republicans he backed either won or led in the primaries in Georgia, Alabama, and Kentucky. The three long-term incumbents from Idaho, all backed by Trump, also secured their nominations easily.
However, some races remain undecided and are heading to runoffs. In Georgia, for instance, Trump-endorsed lieutenant governor candidate Burt Jones and health entrepreneur Rick Jackson must face a second round. Runoffs are also emerging in Pennsylvania. The most prominent loser of the evening was Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who lost to a Trump-backed challenger. Massie, a libertarian conservative, had repeatedly opposed Trump, including on the infrastructure bill vote.
Trump also used the opportunity to again describe the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports as “successful.” In a speech to cadets, he painted a picture of a “wall of steel” that no one could breach. He described a “young, handsome captain” warning ships over “the largest loudspeaker system” and then imitated an Iranian whose ship had been hit by U.S. forces – mispronouncing “Iran” in the process. “Nobody hurts them, nobody,” Trump said. It remained unclear which incident he was referring to. U.S. Central Command has intercepted dozens of ships, but several Iran-linked and “dark fleet” vessels have gotten through.
In further remarks on Iran, Trump said he believed Tehran “so much” wants a deal. He added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would “do whatever I want him to” regarding strikes on Iran. Trump cited an unverified poll giving him 99 percent approval in Israel.
Tuesday’s primaries were seen as a key test of Trump’s influence in the Republican Party. With his candidates winning in most races, he solidifies his role as kingmaker. Massie’s defeat shows that those who deviate from the Trump line are increasingly punished. The runoffs in Georgia and Pennsylvania will be decided in June.
EuroPulse reported on May 18 on Trump’s warning to Iran that “the clock is ticking” and drone strikes on a nuclear plant in the United Arab Emirates: Trump warns Iran: ‘Clock is ticking’ – drones hit nuclear plant in UAE.
Source: www.theguardian.com
