Trump endorses former Fox News host Steve Hilton in California governor race

President Trump is backing Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the race for California governor.

"I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years. He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell," Trump said in an early Monday post on Truth Social.

"Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job. People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World," he added, using one of his nicknames for California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).

Hilton announced last year that he was stepping into the Golden State's gubernatorial race, seeking to succeed Newsom, who is seen as a possible 2028 presidential candidate and with whom Trump has had a longstanding feud.

"Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!" Trump said in his Monday post.