President Trump called out Republican Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder for not endorsing him during the 2016 presidential election, saying to the governor’s face, “I never forget.”
Pres. Trump: "Come on, governor — even though you didn't endorse me."Sec. Chao: "He's not forgotten."Pres. Trump: "I never forget." pic.twitter.com/tkdResunKQ— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) March 16, 2017
The exchange happened Wednesday as the two tour toured a display of cars and trucks made in America in an aircraft hangar near the American Center for Mobility outside of Ann Arbor, Mich.
As Trump posed for a photo opportunity with General Motors Co. CEO and Chairman Mary Barra and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, he motioned for Snyder to join in.
“Come on governor, even though you didn’t endorse me,” Trump said.
“He’s not forgotten,” Chao pointed out while smiling for the picture.
After a chuckle from the group, Trump added, “I never forget.” More nervous laughter followed.
Snyder later tried to brush off the comment.
“I mean, he’s made that comment about quite a few people,” Snyder said, according to the Detroit News. “So I view as something that, again, let’s move forward, let’s build bridges and let’s make a stronger economy in our country.”
As a presidential candidate, Trump teased and balked in endorsing prominent Republicans who were in the midst of a re-election campaign, especially those who disagreed and distanced themselves from some of his rhetoric. This happened with House Speaker Paul Ryan, who initially didn’t get Trump’s blessing before his primary, which his primary challenger used as a campaign weapon. Trump eventually did endorse Ryan.
