President Donald Trump endorsed Jack Ciattarelli, who formerly criticized him, for governor in New Jersey on Monday, calling him a "winner" and saying that Ciattarelli was "ALL IN" on his agenda.

"Jack Ciattarelli is a terrific America First Candidate running to be the next Governor of a State that I love, NEW JERSEY!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

"Jack, who after getting to know and understand MAGA, has gone ALL IN, and is now 100% (PLUS!)," Trump continued. "He is strongly supported by the most Highly Respected Leaders in New Jersey and, as your next Governor, Jack Ciattarelli will work closely with me and the Trump Administration to advance our America First Agenda."

"Also, Jack is the Republican Candidate who is best positioned to STAND TALL against the Radical Left Democrats and, most importantly, ensure a Big Victory in this Very Important Gubernatorial Election, an Election that is being closely watched by the entire World because, we are ending WOKE, and all of the other NONSENSE that goes along with it, AND NOBODY WANTS TO SEE IT COME BACK!," Trump went on.

"Humbled and honored"

Trump called Ciattarelli to tell him of the endorsement, according to NBC News.

Ciattarelli posted on X that he was "truly humbled and honored to receive President Trump’s very strong endorsement today. It’s time to unite our party, win big in November, and make New Jersey affordable and safe again."

"When I am Governor, we will," he declared.

Ciattarelli called Trump a "charlatan" back in 2015 and said he wasn't fit to be president, but by 2020, he was shaking hands with Trump at his Wildwood, New Jersey rally and taking photos with rallygoers.

Formidable opponent

Ciattarelli lost to Governor Phil Murphy by only 3 points  in 2021, so he will be a formidable opponent if he makes it through the June 10 Republican primary against conservative radio host Bill Spadea and State Senator Jon Bramnick.

Not everyone was positive about the endorsement, however.

Spadea said, "Donald Trump’s endorsement comes after a years long effort by Jack to lie about his own record. My resolve to fight for the people of New Jersey has never been greater. I intend to continue fighting for the America First agenda because that is what’s best for the state and our nation."

The New Jersey Democratic Governors Association (DGA) also, predictably, blasted the endorsement.

"This endorsement just confirms what we already knew: Jack Ciattarelli would put Donald Trump before New Jersey," DGA Communications Director Sam Newton said in a statement. " As Governor, Ciattarelli would bring Trump’s agenda of higher costs and chaos to Trenton – instead of fighting to protect New Jersey’s freedoms and working to make life more affordable."

Democrats still have a more than 800,000-voter advantage in registrations, but new registrations in April were 9 to 1 Republican.