Donald Trump will meet with hundreds of Christian leaders on Tuesday in New York including Bob Vander Plaats, a former national co-chair of Ted Cruz’s presidential campaign.
Trump and Vander Plaats, who is attending the meeting in his capacity as CEO of the social conservative group the Family Leader, have engaged in high-profile spats during the GOP primary. In an email to his organization, Vander Plaats explained what he expects to result from his participating in the meeting with Trump.
“To be clear, the meeting is not a fundraiser nor a political rally. It is NOT an endorsement of Donald Trump, nor do I plan to leave the meeting with an endorsement announcement,” Vander Plaats said. “We’ll talk with Mr. Trump about the people he intends to surround himself with, his criteria for Supreme Court nominations, his convictions on life, marriage, religious liberty, and more.”
In January, Trump tweeted that Vander Plaats is a “total phony,” a “dishonest guy,” and a “con man.” Vander Plaats responded by saying “love you,” and calling Trump a “friend” who he would not endorse. Trump subsequently claimed to have Vander Plaats’ endorsement, which is false.
This month, Vander Plaats suggested “everything’s got to be on the table” at the GOP convention, including unbinding delegates, which could spark a contested convention and a revolt against Trump.
Whether Vander Plaats reiterates this push for accountability after meeting with Trump on Tuesday could go a long way in determining whether Cruz’s infrastructure is spoiling for a fight on the GOP convention floor in Cleveland.
