In his post-impeachment victory lap, President Donald Trump had high praise Thursday for Georgia’s newest senator as well as a fellow Republican Congress member challenging her in an election where Trump’s endorsement could give either a potent advantage.
Both Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Rep. Doug Collins were in the audience as Trump spoke for more than an hour at the White House. The 2020 election rivals were among many GOP lawmakers the president thanked by name for supporting him throughout the impeachment saga that ended with Trump’s acquittal Wednesday by the Senate.
“A young woman who I didn’t know at all, but she’s been so supportive,” Trump said of Loeffler, “And I’ve had great support from other people in that state. And she’s been so supportive, and she’s been downright nasty and mean about the unfairness to the president. And Kelly Loeffler, I appreciate very much.”
A few minutes later, the president had similar plaudits for Collins, who last week announced plans to challenge Loeffler in the Nov. 3 special election for the Senate seat. Trump even hinted at the rivalry between the two.
“A man who has been an unbelievable friend of mine and spokesman and somebody that I really like,” Trump said. “And I know, Kelly, you’re going to end up liking him a lot. Something’s going to happen that’s going to be very good. I don’t know. I haven’t figured it out yet. But Doug Collins, you have been so great.”
