Trump Endorses Max Engling for Indiana Secretary of State
Trump backs former Jim Banks staffer who won a contested Republican convention nomination in June 2026 for Indiana's third-highest office.
WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald J. Trump endorsed Max Engling, the Republican nominee for Indiana secretary of state, in a Truth Social post focused on voter identification and election integrity.
Trump called Engling an “America First Patriot” and praised his background as a former staffer for U.S. Senator Jim Banks of Indiana. He described Engling as a “lifelong Hoosier” and “very successful Civic Leader” who would “Safeguard Indiana’s Elections.”
Here is the full post on truthsocial: “It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Max Engling, who is running to be the next Secretary of State of the wonderful State of Indiana! A lifelong Hoosier, very successful Civic Leader, and former Staffer to GREAT U.S. Senator Jim Banks, Max has dedicated his life to serving the Community which he loves so much. Max has an incredible wife, Kelcey, and four beautiful children. A true MAGA Warrior, Max understands that, ALL VOTERS MUST SHOW PHOTO VOTER I.D. (IDENTIFICATION!) AND, ALL VOTERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP IN ORDER TO VOTE! The Dumocrats love to CHEAT, and Max will work tirelessly to Safeguard Indiana’s Elections. Max will also focus on helping us continue to Grow the Economy, Champion our Amazing Farmers and Agriculture, Stop Migrant Crime, Keep Men out of Women’s Sports, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Max Engling has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Secretary of State of Indiana — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Trump” on October 22, 2026 at 11:23 PM ET.
This is Trump’s 90th message released today, and the last post was 1 minute ago, and it is not part of a thread. On average, Trump produces 18 posts per day since his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The move fits a broader pattern in Trump’s recent messaging, with 148 of his 605 posts over the last 30 days classified as Elections posts.
Engling won the Republican nomination at a party convention in Fort Wayne in June 2026, defeating incumbent Secretary of State Diego Morales in what observers called an upset, according to wfyi. Indiana uses party conventions rather than primaries to select candidates for statewide offices. Hundreds of delegates voted on a contentious field of four candidates, according to wfyi.
President Donald J. Trump posed in Washington D.C.
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Top Republicans had turned on Morales just weeks before the convention amid accusations of nepotism, fraud, and misspending of state dollars. Party leaders pivoted to support Engling, according to wfyi.
“I’m Max Engling, I’m a Christian, I’m a husband, I’m a father, and I’m running for secretary of state to defend our elections and uphold our shared conservative values with zero compromise,” Engling told delegates at the convention, according to wfyi. He also promised an effort to close Republican primaries to prevent voters registered with other parties from participating in GOP contests, according to wfyi.
Trump’s endorsement emphasized voter identification requirements, calling for all voters to show photo ID and proof of citizenship. The post also touched on economic growth, agriculture, immigration enforcement, keeping men out of women’s sports, and Second Amendment protections.
Zenger analysis
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President Trump is the author of The Art of the Deal, Think Like a Billionaire, and Think Big. Analyst and Trump supporter Rod Martin points to The Art of the Deal, Trump's 1987 book, as an explanation of his deal-making philosophy: making big announcements, pivoting often in public statements and, Martin says, ultimately getting what he wanted all along. Critics contend that Trump's books were published decades ago or were aimed at making money, not shedding light. "Generally," Martin said, "critics don't read The Art of the Deal. If they did, they would understand."