Tennessee Governor Bill Lee says he still supports Donald Trump even though the former president called him a RINO (Republican in name only) last week.
Trump made that comment on social media after the governor’s preferred candidate in the State Senate district 4 GOP primary lost. Lee backed Senator John Lundberg, R-Bristol, in the race and Trump backed his successful challenger Bobby Harshbarger, son of U.S. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger.
“Congratulations to Bobby Harshbarger, a fantastic candidate for Tennessee State Senate, who won against a long-term incumbent supported by RINO Governor Bill Lee, whose endorsement meant nothing,” wrote Trump.
Speaking at a media event Wednesday, Lee said he absolutely will continue to support Trump and his presidential campaign.
“We need strong leadership in the White House, and we need President Trump to fill that slot for strong leadership,” said Lee.
Trump’s criticism raised eyebrows as Lee has been a vocal supporter of the former president.
Earlier this year Lee did choose not to officially back him during the primary while serving as the Chair of the Republican Governor’s Association. Lee instead said he would back whoever the eventual GOP nominee would be according to news reports from Politico.
Lee told reporters Wednesday that he still can’t explain the former president’s criticism.
“I mean I can’t really explain what that was about. But yeah, I mean, it doesn’t change anything about how I feel about what we’re doing or where we’re going, and everybody has their own style. The president has his and you know, I certainly am hopeful that his style leads to him continuing to lead and be elected but I can’t really explain what happened there,” said Lee.
