Donald Trump backs rival to Republican who voted for his impeachment

Anthony Gonzalez was one of 10 Republicans who opposed him.

(FILES) In this file photo former US President Donald Trump speaks to the media prior to departing from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, September 21, 2020, as he travels to Ohio. - The US Supreme Court on February 22, 2021 denied a bid by Donald Trump to prevent his tax records from being handed over to prosecutors in New York. The nation's highest court denied the request filed by lawyers for the former president without comment.Trump has been waging a protracted legal battle to prevent his tax records from being handed over to Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signalled he will seek revenge on fellow Republicans who voted to impeach him last month, and he followed through Friday, endorsing an ex-aide against an Ohio congressman.

Mr. Trump threw his “complete and total” support behind Max Miller, a 2020 deputy campaign manager and White House advisor challenging Representative Anthony Gonzalez, one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Mr. Trump after the deadly January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

“Max Miller is a wonderful person who did a great job at the White House and will be a fantastic congressman,” Mr. Trump said in a statement.

“Current Rep. Anthony Gonzalez should not be representing the people of the 16th district because he does not represent their interest or their heart,” Mr. Trump added.

It is believed to be the first endorsement Mr. Trump has offered to a challenger of one of the Republicans who voted for his ouster.

“I will never back down and will never betray my constituents,” Mr. Miller, 32, said in a tweet highlighting Mr. Trump’s endorsement.

Mr. Trump was impeached on January 13 but acquitted one month later by the Senate. He has said he aims to play a role in Republican efforts to win back the House in 2022.