Trump backs Michael Whatley for North Carolina Senate seat over Roy Cooper

Trump gives his complete and total endorsement to former RNC chairman Michael Whatley in a video urging North Carolina voters to reject former Governor Roy Cooper this November.

First Published: September 18, 2026, 2:34 PM ET

WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald J. Trump gave Michael Whatley his complete and total endorsement for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, urging voters to reject former Governor Roy Cooper in November.

Trump posted a video appeal directed at North Carolina voters, calling Whatley one of the finest people he knows. He cast the Democratic nominee as weak on crime and framed the race as a choice on borders and public safety. “Michael has been with us from the very beginning and he’s got my complete and total endorsement,” Trump said in the video, describing his candidate as a man who will vote for strong borders, a booming economy and the greatest military in the world.

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “ Michael Whatley has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next U.S. Senator from North Carolina — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Trump” on September 18, 2026 at 2:26 PM ET.

This is Trump’s 11th message released today, out of 12 total, and the last post came moments earlier, 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 83 of his 572 posts over the last 30 days classified as Elections posts.

Michael Whatley is the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina and the former chairman of the Republican National Committee, according to wlos. Whatley served as chair of the RNC from March 2024 to August 2025 before resigning to pursue the Senate seat, according to wlos. Trump earlier appointed Whatley to oversee Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina, according to wlos.

Roy Cooper, the Democratic nominee and former governor of North Carolina, is Whatley’s opponent in the race to succeed retiring Senator Thom Tillis, according to abc11. Tillis decided to retire after clashing with the president, according to abc11. Trump appeared at a rally in Gastonia, Whatley’s hometown, the night before the video circulated, according to abc11. “The golden age of America is upon us, but you must get out and vote and vote for Michael Whatley,” Trump said at that rally, according to abc11.

Cooper continues to lead Whatley in one survey, 48-44, according to publicpolicypolling. That firm reported that 92% of voters are familiar with Cooper, compared with 69% familiar with Whatley, and it noted that Whatley retains a path to victory as undecided Republicans consolidate, according to publicpolicypolling. A Democrat has not won a U.S. Senate election in North Carolina since 2008, according to wlos.