The longest serving Republican in the Senate says he’ll now support Donald Trump. But Utah’s Orrin Hatch says the presumptive GOP presidential nominee needs to tone it down.
Hatch is among the Senate GOP leaders set to meet with Trump later Thursday.
Hatch says Trump needs to soften his rhetoric and “always act in a manner worthy” of a nominee. The senator isn’t getting into details, but Trump has made critical comments about women, Hispanics and others.
Hatch says many of his constituents “have serious reservations” about Trump. In March, Utah voters went big for Trump’s chief rival at the time, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, in the state’s caucuses.
Hatch says Trump could unite Republicans and broaden his appeal by reconsidering his views on trade and overhauling benefit programs.
Hatch initially backed Jeb Bush in the race, and then Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Hatch says he’ll “do what I can” to help Trump run a successful campaign.
(AP)