WASHINGTON — Republican lawmakers have a mixture of emotions after the far-right Koch network decided to endorse Nikki Haley over Donald Trump.
The Kochs have never been keen supporters of Trump, preferring to cut spending and taxes while Trump jacked up spending. Americans for Prosperity, the Kochs' flagship organization, has long believed that the only way to stop another Democratic term in the White House is to eliminate Trump.
Trump hasn't been a fan of the Kochs either, calling them a "total joke" in 2018 after one of the top aides for the brothers criticized White House "divisiveness."
"The globalist Koch Brothers, who have become a total joke in real Republican circles, are against Strong Borders and Powerful Trade," Trump tweeted in July 2018. "I never sought their support because I don’t need their money or bad ideas. They love my Tax & Regulation Cuts, Judicial picks & more. I made them richer.
"Their network is highly overrated, I have beaten them at every turn. They want to protect their companies outside the U.S. from being taxed, I’m for America First & the American Worker - a puppet for no one. Two nice guys with bad ideas. Make America Great Again!"
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Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) said Thursday he didn't understand why the Haley endorsement is even an issue.
"Yeah, I never hear about them," said Hawley, admitting he hadn't seen the news. He argued that there wasn't a real primary happening as Trump's numbers are so much higher than other candidates.
"That's why it's a free year. Like, he's just going to be the nominee. He just is. I haven't watched any of the debates. My view is he's gonna be the nominee. You know, it's gonna be Trump, [Joe] Biden, RFK Jr."
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) called the 2024 Republican primary "hotly contested," and "any time you get an endorsement from a major group, it's always helpful."
She said she's not certain about the "money issue" but is aware the Koch network is "very anti-Trump and I think that could be a double-edged sword."
The senator went on to say she's seen the polls, but can't quite get the temperature of where the country is on the primary. "I don't think anyone knows until we get those first couple of states in."
But it was Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) who said the Koch endorsement likely wouldn't change any minds.
While the family was once powerful and influential, Graham said "40 percent of our primary has made up their mind about Trump and they're not gonna change."
When asked about their influence, Graham explained, "The Trump party is different than other Republican Parties. The Trump party is very much focused on President Trump's personality, and he stands up to people they hate.
"And I don't think any ad is gonna change that," he said with a laugh. "I don't think — there ain't enough money in the world to convince the loyal Trump person to change."
