George P. Bush Courts Donald Trump Despite His Having Insulted His Father

George P. Bush, son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, announced that he will run for Texas attorney general in 2022.

George has seemed concerned with winning over former President Donald Trump rather than pleasing his prominent political relatives, like his uncle, former President George W. Bush. who has slammed Trump in public and private. His grandfather is the late former President George H.W. Bush.

Prior to announcing his bid for governor, George tweeted: “Great to speak with President Trump to discuss the future of Texas and how we are keeping up the fight to put America first. I appreciate the words of encouragement and support.”

Back in 2019, Trump himself even praised George for showing his support: “This is the only Bush that likes me. This is the Bush that got it right. I like him.”

George even endorsed Trump in the 2020 presidential race, saying Trump was “the only thing standing between America and socialism.”

Trump has gone after members of George’s immediate family in the past, which is what makes his enthusiastic endorsement of the former president puzzling for some.

In 2013, Trump tweeted: “We need another Bush in office about as much as we need Obama to have a 3rd term. No more Bushes!”

In 2016, Jeb responded to Trump’s attacks, saying: “I am sick and tired of him going after my family.”

The late Barbara Bush said of Trump in 2016: “He doesn’t give many answers to how he would solve problems. He sort of makes faces and says insulting things.”

George seems unbothered by Trump’s past insults. He seems to believe that Trump’s support is necessary for him to beat current Texas A.G. Ken Paxton in the Republican primary.

But Trump has not backed George yet, saying that he “likes them both very much,” when asked about Paxton and George in late May.

“I’ll be making my endorsement and recommendation to the great people of Texas in the not-so-distant future,” he said.

Article by Elizabeth Letsou