TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea is escalating his public criticism of President Donald Trump following Trump’s decision not to endorse him, sharing a series of social media posts that accuse the president of poor judgment and misplaced loyalty.
In recent days, Spadea has amplified messages slamming Trump’s political endorsements, alleging that the president is being misled by political consultants and insiders.
One post from Spadea’s account echoed concerns raised by conservative commentator Rich Baris, who warned, “These endorsements are horrid and going to hurt the party when he leaves. That will be on him.” Spadea responded in agreement, replying, “Spot on.”
Trump endorsed Spadea’s opponent Jack Ciattarelli in the June 10th gubernatorial primary, despite Spadea’s active campaigning and alignment with several of Trump’s past positions.
Spadea shares Tweets attacking Trump.
Social media influencers aligned with Spadea have joined the effort, calling for a “draining of the swamp” within Trump’s advisory team. One account, @realdefender45, wrote Monday, “These political consultants don’t GAF about our country or @realDonaldTrump… It’s time to drain the swamp around @POTUS.”
The recent rift is part of a broader backlash among grassroots conservatives frustrated with Trump’s recent endorsements. Spadea has used the moment to distinguish himself from the president, aligning with voices critical of what they describe as establishment favoritism in Trump’s political network.
Some of Spadea’s followers are now even claiming the President, who coined Make America Great Again (MAGA), does not own the MAGA movement, but that the movement belongs to Spadea and his followers in New Jersey.
Another post shared by Spadea, originally from @Shawn_Farash, criticized Trump for backing candidates perceived as out-of-touch or ineffective.
“Trump just endorsed the congressman who FELL ASLEEP and SLEPT THROUGH the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ vote in the House. His endorsements have been downright putrid lately,” Farash wrote. Spadea retweeted the post without comment.
The conflict also touches on the topic of DOGE tax cuts, a proposed initiative popular among online conservative circles. Critics argue the cuts are being stalled by lawmakers who are protected by Trump’s endorsements. “The people you’re asking to pass DOGE cuts are establishment swamp creatures,” Farash wrote. “They don’t feel threatened or compelled to do our bidding… Because many of them are actively being endorsed by the President.”
Trump has not publicly addressed Spadea’s recent criticism or responded to the growing unrest among some of his former allies.
It’s not the first time Spadea dumped on Trump. After January 20th, Spadea called on Trump to resign and had called the president’s first term ‘a failure’. Spadea went on to endorse Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the GOP primary election, only returning to Trump’s camp after DeSantis bowed out.
Spadea, a former radio host, has attempted to court Trump’s base throughout his campaign, but the latest developments indicate a pivot toward a more confrontational stance.
