Numerous stories are surfacing criticizing Trump’s candidate endorsements during the primaries, some of whom did not perform as intended. While the stories themselves are not generating overwhelming online discussion, there have been vigorous debates among Americans around the narratives involved. MIG Reports data shows discussion trends around Trump’s prolific endorsements and support compared to Biden.

Data First

• Trump endorsed 255 primary candidates, which is 127.5 times more than Biden’s two endorsements. His success rate was 67%, which is 34% better than Biden’s 50%.
• Some believe that Trump is strategically endorsing candidates who will bolster his vision for America.
• Democratic voters don’t have a strong defense for Biden and are often vocal in their mix of alarm and schadenfreude.

Discussion Trends

The reactions to Trump’s endorsements can be broadly classified into two schools of thought—those who continue to support Trump despite or perhaps because of these endorsements and those who express frustration and disillusionment.

Opinions look to be multifaceted and heavily dependent on political alignment. A voter’s perspective on Trump's influence in the Republican Party is also a factor, as well as the underpinning issues voters care about.

For Trump supporters, there is often a defensive sentiment. Some believe Trump is strategically endorsing candidates who will bolster his vision for America. There is great loyalty among his followers, who commend him for sticking to his principles. They also criticize other Republicans who stray from the "America First" doctrine.

Trump’s detractors within the GOP argue his choices are harming the party’s unity and coherence. There is a palpable tension from certain Freedom Caucus loyalists who feel betrayed by Trump backing candidates they label as “RINOs” (Republicans in Name Only).

Prolific endorsements by Trump also spark debates about the future direction of the Republican Party. There are accusations of betrayal from both pro-Trump and anti-Trump wings of the GOP. Such conversations often touch on issues like loyalty to the conservative cause, the influence of “swamp” politics in endorsement decisions, and concerns over electability in general elections. Some Republicans view this internal strife as weakening the party's standing against Democratic opponents.

For Democrats, Trump's endorsements are alarming but provide schadenfreude. Democrats see Trump’s endorsements as evidence of his continued grip on a faction of the GOP. They hope this will ultimately alienate more moderate voters.

Many Democrats also view these endorsements as opportunities to galvanize their base by emphasizing the purported extremism and erratic nature of Trump-aligned candidates.

Sentiment Trends

Voter feelings are diverse, with intense distrust and animosity toward Trump among Democrats and some traditional conservatives as well. Many of this group are worried about potential negative impacts of Trump-endorsed candidates winning primaries. They fear MAGA-aligned candidates will further polarization in American politics.

Many Republicans also feel the lack of Biden-endorsed candidates exemplifies the fact that he’s not the true leader of the party, nor his administration.

Some recurring topics of debate include:

• The loyalty and betrayal dynamics within the GOP, particularly surrounding the Freedom Caucus.
• Ideological battles within the party, as Trump-endorsed candidates clash with what some perceive as “more traditional” conservatives.
• Discussions about the impact of these endorsements on the Republican Party’s ability to present a united front against Democrats in upcoming elections.
• The perceived influence (or lack thereof) of Trump in shaping the future legislative and ideological landscape of the GOP.
• Concerns over the electability of Trump-endorsed candidates in general elections versus their appeal in primaries.
• Celebrations or dismay over specific endorsement outcomes, seen as both victories and defeats for “true conservatism” or “MAGA” values.