BEDMINSTER, N.J.
— President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s upcoming primary, following public criticism from rival Bill Spadea over tariffs, Elon Musk, and the state’s economic challenges.
Trump, already upset with Spadea’s use of the Trump and Melania Trump names in a bogus fundraising scam that saw the radio host’s Common Sense Club write $250,000 in checks to a Spadea owned LLC, reportedly became agitated with Spadea taking Elon Musk’s side in the feud between the two billionaires.
Must claimed Trump is in the Epstein files and called for Trump to be impeached. He also criticized the Big Beautiful Bill.
“Elon is right,” Spadea said.
Spadea, who had called for Trump’s resignation after January 6th 2021, called the President’s first term in office, “a failure” and said Trump should not run for re-election. He later backed Ron Desantis in the 2024 primary election.
“His Opponents are going around saying they have my Endorsement, which is not true, I don’t even know who they are,” Trump said.
Trump posted Friday on his Truth Social account urging New Jersey voters to support Ciattarelli in Tuesday’s primary. He emphasized that Ciattarelli is the only candidate with his “Complete and Total Endorsement,” denying claims from other candidates suggesting otherwise.
In his post, Trump wrote, “The Great State of New Jersey has a very important Primary coming up on Tuesday. Get Out and Vote for Jack Ciattarelli… His Opponents are going around saying they have my Endorsement, which is not true.”
The renewed endorsement comes after Spadea criticized Trump’s trade policies, claiming that New Jersey has “already suffered under Trump tariffs.” Spadea also expressed disapproval of Trump’s recent disputes with Elon Musk, calling the conflict a distraction from state issues.
Trump dismissed the other candidates, stating, “I don’t even know who they are.” He added, “We can’t play games when it comes to Elections, and New Jersey is a very important State that we must WIN.”
New Jersey’s Republican primary will be held Tuesday.
