But it was unclear who former President Donald Trump endorsed, even after his endorsement in the race where Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmidt and former Gov. Eric Greitens are both candidates. On the eve of the election, Trump said in a statement that he was “proud to announce that ERIC has my full and complete support!” “There is a BIG Election in the Great State of Missouri and we need to send a MAGA champion and true warrior to the US Senate, someone who will fight for border security, election integrity, our military and great veterans, along with tough on crime and the border,” Trump said. “We need a person who won’t give in to the Radical Leftist Madmen who are destroying our country. “I trust the Great People of Missouri, at this point, to make up their own minds, as they did when they gave me victories in the 2016 and 2020 elections, and therefore I am proud to announce that ERIC has my Full and Total Endorsement!” Both candidates were quick to claim and tout Trump’s support. Schmitt, in a tweet, wrote: “I am grateful for President Trump’s support. As the only America First candidate who has truly fought for election integrity, border security, and against the indoctrination of our children by the Left – I will take this fight to the Senate to SAVE AMERICA!” Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmidt was quick to claim Trump’s support after the former president’s statement confused the public. AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File Greitens also wrote that he was “honored to receive President Trump’s endorsement.” “From the beginning, I have been the true MAGA champion fighting against the Schmitt-supporting RINO establishment,” he tweeted. He also boasted the support of Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend, media personality Kimberly Guilfoyle, in a separate tweet. Greitens also claimed he “just had a great phone call with President Trump” and thanked him for the support. Former Gov. Eric Greitens also interpreted Trump’s statement as a firm endorsement of him. AP Photo/Jeff Roberson Schmitt responded by retweeting a tweet from conservative media personality Dan Bongino commenting on Greitens’ claim. “Bulls—t. Read the endorsement. This dude is a FRAUD,” Bongino said referring to Greitens. Schmitt and Greitens are both running to replace outgoing Sen. Roy Blunt. Schmitt is the favorite with an Emerson College poll last week showing him with about 33 percent of the projected vote. After that, Rep. Vicky Hartzler had 21% and Greitens was in third with 16%. Many Republicans want Greitens to lose because of his past scandals, including allegations of domestic abuse by his ex-wife. While there is a third candidate named Eric – Eric McElroy – also running, he is a long shot. However, Hartzler offered his congratulations on Monday. “Congratulations to Eric McElroy. It’s been a long night,” she said in a statement, according to CBS News.
