Top Republican lawmakers and party leaders who refused to support Donald Trump in the election decided to come home after Trump surprised everyone and won the election Tuesday.
Former presidential nominee Mitt Romney, Sens. Lindsey Graham and Ben Sasse, and Rep. Justin Amash all issued statements of support or congratulations for Trump following his defeat of Democrat Hillary Clinton. They were prominent holdouts on the Trump bandwagon throughout the electoral process, but said they were moved to support Trump now that he’s headed to the Oval Office.
“Best wishes for our duly elected president: May his victory speech be his guide and preserving the Republic his aim,” Romney tweeted.
“Congratulations to President-elect @realDonaldTrump,” tweeted Amash, who supported Sen. Ted Cruz during the primary season. “Let’s work together to defend liberty, the Rule of Law, and the Constitution.”
Even Ohio Gov. John Kasich, one of Trump’s final rivals for the Republican nomination and a sworn enemy throughout the general election process, said the Manhattan real estate developer has his support.
“The American people have spoken and it’s time to come together. Congratulations President-elect @realDonaldTrump,” Kasich tweeted.
Former President George H.W. Bush was noticeable by his absence during Trump’s run to the White House, but reportedly made a call to Trump Wednesday offering his salutations. He later tweeted congratulations to the president-elect.
“Barbara and I congratulate @realDonaldTrump, wish him well as he guides America forward as our next president,” the 41st president tweeted. “His family is in our prayers.”
His son, former President George W. Bush, released a statement congratulating Trump as well. The 43rd president made it known Tuesday that he didn’t vote for president, deciding to leave that space blank on his ballot.
“This morning I called President-elect Donald Trump and congratulated him on his election as president of the United States of America,” he said. “Laura and I wish the president-elect, Melania and the entire Trump family all our very best as they take on an awesome responsibility and begin an exciting new chapter in their lives.”
He added, “We pray for the success of our country and the success of our new president.”
Bush’s brother, Jeb, who battled Trump to no avail in the Republican presidential primaries, tweeted a luke-warm endorsement of Trump’s victory.
Congratulations on your victory @realDonaldTrump. As our President, Columba and I will pray for you in the days and months to come.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) November 9, 2016
Sasse and Graham issued longer statements congratulating Trump on his victory and promising to work with him to pass legislation in the coming years.
Graham, who announced that he wrote in conservative independent candidate Evan McMullin for presidentand sparred with Trump often through the media, said it’s time for the country to pull together.
“Congratulations to President-elect Trump. He defied the odds and overcame many obstacles to achieve a stunning victory,” Graham said in a statement. “I’m proud of and want to congratulate my Senate colleagues, particularly those in swing states who ran incredible races that helped President-elect Trump achieve his victory.
“We now have a country to run … To the extent that I can help President-elect Trump, I will do so.”
Sasse called Trump’s win decisive and prayed for him to keep conservative, limited-government policies close to his heart.
“On Tuesday, America demanded disruption. My family and I congratulate President-elect Trump on his decisive victory and we pray that he will lead wisely and faithfully keep his oath to a Constitution of limited government,” Sasse said, promising to “do everything in my power to hold the president to his promises.”
Arizona Sen. John McCain, who refused to say if he was voting for Trump and had sparred with him n the media as well, also offered words of congratulations and promises to help.
“Congrats to President-Elect Donald Trump – as (chairman) of Armed Services (Committee) I’ll work to confront (national) security challenges & support troops,” McCain tweeted Wednesday.
