SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Governor Spencer Cox, previously known for distancing himself from Donald Trump, has recently made headlines by shifting his stance. While the governor had not voted for Trump in the previous elections and criticized his influence on the January 6th Capitol riot, he has now expressed support for the former president.
Cox explained his change of heart following an assassination attempt on Trump, stating that witnessing Trump’s defiance during that moment prompted him to reassess his position.
His pivot has surprised many political analysts who have observed Cox’s evolution as a moderate leader, akin to Senator Mitt Romney, throughout his political career.
In a letter to Trump, Cox noted that he believes Trump could be a unifying force for the country, emphasizing the need for unity rather than hate.
Despite this endorsement, Trump has not reciprocated with an endorsement for Cox’s reelection.
The relationship between the two was further scrutinized following an incident at Arlington National Cemetery. After a contentious altercation involving Trump’s staff, Cox was criticized for using a graveside photo in a campaign fundraising email, potentially violating federal laws prohibiting political activities in national cemeteries.
Cox’s campaign quickly issued an apology for the incident, while Trump’s team maintained that they had permission for the filming. The ensuing controversy has reignited discussions about their differing political styles and the implications of Cox’s support for Trump, particularly after the former president reiterated his controversial positions.
Political analysts express concerns that Cox’s newfound alignment with Trump could alienate moderate voters. Some constituents have expressed disappointment, feeling that Cox has compromised his values for political gain.
The political landscape in Utah, predominantly Republican, has historically demonstrated a cautious relationship with Trump’s brand of politics, particularly among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Cox, identifying as a member of this faith, described Trump’s survival during the assassination attempt as a miracle orchestrated by divine intervention.
His decision to support Trump, ahead of a seemingly uncontested reelection, highlights a broader trend among some moderate Republicans who have navigated their ties to Trump despite previous opposition.
This pattern of alignment with Trump mirrors past examples, such as Romney, who transitioned from fierce criticism to a more accommodating stance, illustrating the complex dynamics within the GOP.
