Former Texas Congressman and Republican presidential candidate Will Hurd faced a hostile crowd at a campaign event in Iowa on Friday when he criticized former President Donald Trump.
Hurd was speaking at the Republican Party's annual Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines when he made the controversial remarks.
Hurd asserted that Trump's failure to expand the Republican Party's appeal to key demographics, such as women with college degrees, Black and Brown communities, and young voters, was the reason for his loss in the 2020 election. He went on to claim that Trump's motivation for running for President was not to "make America great again," but rather to avoid legal consequences.
The audience responded with boos and jeers, forcing Hurd to pause his speech. Undeterred, he acknowledged the crowd's reaction, stating, "I know the truth the truth is hard." Hurd argued that electing Trump would result in four more years of Joe Biden's presidency, which he believed America could not handle.
As the boos continued, Hurd concluded his speech by saying, "God bless you and God bless America," before leaving the stage.
Hurd, a former CIA agent, entered the presidential race in June, despite Trump's continued dominance within the Republican Party. However, he has refused to sign the pledge required by the Republican National Committee, which mandates that all candidates support the eventual 2024 Republican nominee. This decision has hindered Hurd's ability to qualify for the first debate in August, hosted by Fox News, as he has not met the fundraising and polling requirements.
Hurd's criticism of Trump and his refusal to conform to party expectations highlight his independent stance within the Republican Party. While his comments were met with disapproval from the audience, they underscore the ongoing divisions within the party regarding Trump's influence and the future direction of the GOP.
As the presidential race continues to unfold, Hurd's campaign will face challenges in gaining traction and support. However, his willingness to speak out against Trump and his commitment to his own principles may resonate with voters seeking an alternative to the former President's brand of politics.
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