Donald Trump wants to be president again – but it is far from clear whether the Republicans will put him up for re-election. For another candidate, however, it could prove a heavy burden if Trump refuses to endorse him. The party is already trying to take precautions.
The party leadership of the US Republicans wants to overcome the divisions within the party with a loyalty test for the future presidential candidate. Candidates like former President Donald Trump should pledge their support to the elected candidate, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel told CNN.
“It should go without saying, shouldn’t it? When you stand on the stage and ask the voters to support you, you should say that no matter who you vote for, they will support the voters,” McDaniel said. Anyone who does not make the promise cannot go into the election campaign.
McDaniel believes all applicants, including Trump, will sign the pledge. It is an important step to unite the divided party. Trump has so far refused to commit himself to supporting the future Republican candidate. “It would depend on who the candidate is,” Trump said in a radio interview earlier this month. He did not immediately respond to McDaniel’s recent comment on the pledge of allegiance.
A Trump campaign spokesman said when asked, “President Trump will support the Republican candidate because he will be.” Trump threw his hat in the ring back in November. So far, only former UN ambassador Nikki Haley has been confirmed as a challenger. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence are also highly regarded as other possible opponents. Both have not yet declared their candidacy.
