It wasn’t an apology, but former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney appears to be embracing President-elect Donald Trump in a stunning turnaround from his days as a prominent leader of the Never Trump movement.
After joining Trump for dinner at Jean-Georges restaurant in New York City, Romney made a lengthy statement to the press pool of reporters, remarking that he had a “wonderful evening” visiting with the president-elect.
“These discussions I’ve had with him have been enlightening, and interesting, and engaging. I’ve enjoyed them very, very much,” he said.
Romney explained that he was impressed by Trump’s election night speech in which he promised to bring Americans together after a divisive campaign.
He also admitted that Trump had won, something that he failed to do as a presidential candidate.
“By the way, it’s not easy winning. I know that myself. He did something I tried to do and was unsuccessful in,” Romney said. “He won the general election and he continues with a message of inclusion and bringing people together and his vision is something which obviously connected with the American people in a very powerful way.”
Romney praised Trump’s transition effort specifically mentioning Nikki Haley’s appointment as ambassador to the United Nations and Rep. Tom Price’s appointment to run Health and Human Services. He also praised Betsy DeVos, Trump’s choice to run the Department of Education.
He expressed hope for America under the leadership of Donald Trump, confidently telling reporters that the country’s best days were ahead.
“All of those things combined give me increasing hope that President-elect Trump is the very man who can lead us to that better future,” he said.