Trump Under Fire for Backing Karrin Taylor Robson’s Gubernatorial Bid

Donald Trump’s endorsement of Karrin Taylor Robson as a potential gubernatorial candidate in Arizona has sparked controversy among conservative factions within the state’s Republican Party.

During a recent speech in Phoenix, Trump expressed his support for Robson, who has been actively engaging with GOP members. “You’re going to have my support,” he stated.

Although Robson has not made a formal announcement regarding her candidacy, she publicly thanked Trump via social media, sharing, “I am beyond honored to have his support.”

Criticism swiftly followed, particularly due to Robson’s past political affiliations, including her endorsement of Chris Christie during his attempt to challenge Trump for the Republican presidential nomination. State Sen. Jake Hoffman, leader of the Arizona Freedom Caucus, criticized Trump for endorsing what he termed a “UniParty McCain network candidate.” He cited Robson’s loss in the 2022 gubernatorial primary as a key reason against her candidacy.

“Arizona doesn’t want her open borders, pro-amnesty liberal policies,” Hoffman declared, describing her as part of “the Swamp.”

State Rep. Jackie Parker also voiced her discontent, claiming Trump’s involvement in Arizona’s endorsements has “messed up the state,” arguing he should concentrate on congressional races instead.

Laura Loomer, a controversial figure with ties to Trump, raised objections as well, highlighting Robson’s previous support for Proposition 308, which allowed certain undocumented immigrants access to in-state tuition. “As a business leader and Republican, I will be voting ‘yes’ on Prop 308,” Robson had stated in her promotion of the measure, which ultimately passed despite opposition from the Arizona GOP.

Following Trump’s endorsement, Rep. Austin Smith questioned the alignment of Robson’s past actions with the America First agenda, emphasizing her support for tuition benefits for DACA students.

Compounding the complexity of Robson’s candidacy, she has also forged an alliance with former Vice President Mike Pence, who backed her over Kari Lake in the previous gubernatorial primary. Their connection yielded implications when Robson hosted a fundraiser for Pence during his own recent presidential campaign.

Remarkably, Robson’s critical remarks about Trump resurfaced from a 2022 interview, where she suggested he had become a political liability. “Trump used to be a fashion ‘do.’ And overnight he’s become a fashion ‘don’t,’” she remarked.

Nonetheless, Robson has garnered support from party members, including Congressman Juan Ciscomani, who congratulated her on receiving Trump’s endorsement. This was met with rebuke from some conservative commentators, including talk show host Garrett Lewis, who labeled both Ciscomani and Grantham as RINOs.

Conversely, Rep. Travis Grantham praised Trump’s backing of Robson as “outstanding,” emphasizing her electability and her potential to unseat current Governor Katie Hobbs. He attributed some of the recent success of Republican candidates to Robson’s fundraising efforts.

Despite past endorsements from figures like outgoing Governor Doug Ducey, Robson’s previous gubernatorial campaign did not succeed against Lake, and the broader GOP faced losses in the state during the recent elections.

As of now, there are no official contenders to challenge Hobbs, though indications suggest state Treasurer Kimberly Yee may contemplate a campaign. Yee previously announced her gubernatorial aspirations in 2021 but withdrew after a crowded primary established Robson and Lake’s candidacies.

Additionally, Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who organized the event where Trump endorsed Robson, has not yet made his intentions clear regarding a governor run.

Robson possesses considerable financial backing, having invested over $23 million in her last gubernatorial attempts, a reflection of her extensive connections and status as president of Arizona Strategies. A previously entrenched figure in land use and zoning law, she cites a personal dedication to economic growth and job creation as part of her political narrative.

Although Robson has yet to secure an official role in politics, her lineage includes significant political ties, with her father and brother having served in various capacities in Arizona’s government.