Trump Showers Praise On Rival Who Dropped Out and Endorsed Him: ‘A Brilliant Businessman’

AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

Former President Donald Trump showered Republican primary rival Perry Johnson with praise on Monday after Johnson dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump for president.

Johnson — who failed to meet the criteria to take part in the first and second Republican primary debates — suspended his campaign on Friday, before endorsing Trump in a statement on Monday.

“There is now only one candidate in this race who can provide a solution to our nation’s economic, foreign policy and social crises, and most importantly, beat Joe Biden at the ballot box,” wrote Johnson. “That person is Donald Trump.”

Following the endorsement, Trump showered Johnson with praise on Truth Social and said he would work to make his former rival “very proud of his decision.”

“Perry Johnson is a brilliant Businessman who has enjoyed great success. Above all, he loves our Country!” wrote Trump. “After a valiant effort, he is now leaving the Race for President to do other things, which I have no doubt will be very successful. It is a great honor for me to have received his Full Endorsement. I will make Perry very proud of this decision, because we will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Johnson, in turn, thanked Trump for his kind words, tweeting, “Thank you, Mr. President. It is time to fire @JoeBiden, elect Republicans up and down the ballot, and yes – Make America Great Again!”