LANSING - Donald Trump yesterday added more chaos to the already extreme and crowded Michigan Republican gubernatorial primary, telling John James in unflattering remarks that he’s not happy with James running for governor. 

“John James. John James. I don’t know.” 

“Do we have someone good to take your seat? Because otherwise we’re not letting him run for governor.” 

With John James, Aric Nesbitt, and Mike Cox already running, Michigan Republicans are bound for another ‘circus’ - just like their messy primary in 2022, which led to an extreme nominee who is continuing to float another campaign this year. 

“Not even Donald Trump can see John James’ non-existent campaign for governor working out, injecting even more uncertainty into Michigan Republicans’ already messy gubernatorial primary,” said Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel. “From ripping away healthcare and Social Security to give tax cuts to billionaires at the expense of Michigan families, Republicans like John James, Aric Nesbitt, and Mike Cox are too extreme for our state. Over the next year, Michiganders will see first-hand as Republicans stake out the most extreme positions possible to curry favor with Donald Trump, and no matter who wins, they will all be tied to harmful policies like cutting Medicaid and public education.”

See more below on Trump telling James he’s not happy with him running in the messy Michigan Republican gubernatorial primary: 

Detroit News: Trump questions James’ bid for governor, who will succeed him in Congress

• “President Donald Trump on Thursday took a subtle dig at GOP U.S. Rep. John James at a bill signing ceremony, faintly chiding the second-term lawmaker for leaving a vulnerable seat in Congress to run for governor of Michigan.”

Deadline Detroit: Trump Not So Happy John James is Abandoning Vulnerable Congressional Seat to Run For Governor

• “There had been rumors circulating in Republican circles when Michigan Congressman John James announced his bid for governor in April that President Trump was not happy about him abandoning a vulnerable congressional seat.”