Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears (R) claims it’s time to move on from former President Donald Trump.
Sears shared an interview on Fox Business saying she will not support Trump if he runs for president in 2024.
Virginia Lt. Gov. Sears says she cannot support Trump in 2024, urges GOP to ‘move on’https://t.co/CCdooPKzMQ pic.twitter.com/TymfCfuQ8L
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 10, 2022
The comments
“And a true leader understands when they have become a liability,” she said during her Fox Business interview.
“A true leader understands that it is time to step off the stage, and the voters have given us that very clear message,” Sears added.
“A true leader understands when they have become a liability. A true leader understands that it’s time to step off the stage, and the voters have given us that very clear message… I could not support him.”
—VA Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears (R) comes out against Trump’s 2024 candidacy pic.twitter.com/0g1plfHJmu
— The Recount (@therecount) November 10, 2022
The fallout
Donald Trump released a statement on Sunday blasting Sears following her interview.
“Never felt good about Winsome Sears. Always thought she was a phony,” he said.
He also criticized Youngkin saying that the GOP can win without Trump. “MAGA showed up big, but wasn’t appreciated. Sorry, Winsome, and Glenn, but we can’t let that happen!” he added.
🚨Breaking News: President Trump releases new statement on Winsome Sears and Glenn Youngkin. pic.twitter.com/re23wuDydC
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) November 14, 2022
The strong words come just ahead of Trump’s plans for a “big announcement” on Tuesday that many believe will be the launch of his 2024 presidential campaign.
Trump’s recent string of criticisms of fellow conservatives, however, may make gathering support more difficult than in his previous campaigns as he seeks to take on Democrats in a comeback bid.