Trump endorses someone named Eric – and everyone’s confused

Maybe he just likes the name?

Former President Donald Trump endorsed “Eric” in the Missouri GOP primary. Trouble is, there are three Erics in that race.

“I trust the Great People of Missouri, on this one, to make up their own minds, much as they did when they gave me landslide victories in the 2016 and 2020 Elections,” reads a statement issued by the 45th president on Monday evening. “And I am therefore proud to announce that ERIC has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”

Controversial former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, state Attorney General Eric Schmitt and longshot Eric McElroy are all racing to represent the Republican party in the Show Me State’s November elections.

With Trump offering no further clarification, Greitens and Schmitt claimed victory on Twitter — the social media platform from which Trump was banned following his supporters’ Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

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“Honored to have the support of President Trump!” Greitens tweeted. “We will MAGA!”

Schmitt’s acceptance of Trump’s ambiguous approval came in the form of a tweet featuring red siren emoticons.

“I’m grateful for President Trump’s endorsement,” Schmitt claimed. “As the only America First candidate who has actually fought for election integrity, border security & against the Left’s indoctrination of our kids — I’ll take that fight to the Senate to SAVE AMERICA!”

It’s certainly possible Trump intended the chaos unfolding as Missouri Republicans headed to the polls Tuesday to decide which of the right-wing candidates will represent them in November’s general election. He has offered no further clarification despite widespread confusion among the public.

According to the Washington Post, both candidates said they thanked Trump by phone for his support. Greitens, who continues to deny abuse allegations from his ex-wife, ran a highly inflammatory campaign that hinted toward violence against fellow Republicans who don’t share his extremist politics. The former Navy Seal also denies it was his intent to incite political violence.

[ ‘RINO hunting’ GOP Senate candidate back with violent new ad; fellow Navy vet calls him a ‘broken man’ ]

A SurveyUSA poll published last week shows Schmitt, with 28% of the vote, holding an 8-point lead over Greitens. Both Erics are bidding to replace Sen. Roy Blunt, 72, who is retiring from politics at the end of the year.

Eric is also the name of Trump’s’ second-born son, though he’s not seeking political office.