Utah Governor Spencer Cox, known for his moderate stance, recently made a surprising move by aligning himself with former President Donald Trump. Cox, who had distanced himself from Trump in the past, citing concerns over Trump's role in inciting the January 6 Capitol riot, had a change of heart after an assassination attempt on Trump at a rally.
In a letter to Trump, Cox expressed his support, believing that Trump could promote unity over division. This unexpected endorsement raised eyebrows among political observers who had seen Cox as a moderate figure akin to Senator Mitt Romney.
Their relationship came under scrutiny when they were involved in a controversy at Arlington National Cemetery. Cox's campaign used a graveside photo with Trump in a fundraising email, violating rules against campaign activities in national cemeteries. While Cox apologized, Trump's team claimed permission to film in the area.
Cox's shift towards Trump has drawn criticism from some Utah moderates who feel he has compromised his values. Despite potential backlash, Cox seems intent on standing by Trump, a move that may not significantly impact his reelection chances in the predominantly Republican state.
Utah, with its large Mormon population, has been less enthusiastic about Trump's rhetoric, making Cox's alliance with the former president a contentious issue. Cox, a devout Latter-day Saint, even attributed Trump's survival of the assassination attempt to a miracle.
While Cox has not expressed aspirations for national office, his alignment with Trump could affect his standing within the Republican Party. The endorsement came after Cox's primary victory over a staunch Trump supporter, indicating a shift in his political strategy.
Cox's move towards Trump mirrors similar shifts by other moderate Republicans, including Senator Romney, who initially criticized Trump but later sought to work with him. The dynamics between Cox and Trump underscore the complexities of political alliances and the challenges faced by politicians navigating party dynamics.
