Sununu's comments on Trump on 'This Week' create stir

Apr. 14—Gov. Chris Sununu said on national TV Sunday morning he stands by his criticism of former President Donald Trump on the Jan. 6 insurrection and efforts to overturn the 2020 election, but not even a conviction — or multiple convictions — would stop him from voting for the Republican nominee.

The nine-minute segment on "This Week" with George Stephanopoulos on ABC was titled "Sununu Backing Trump in November Despite Past Criticism." The four-term Republican governor endorsed former South Carolina governor and United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, but said all along he would support the Republican nominee.

A trial in New York on Trump's hush- money case is set to begin Monday where he becomes the first former U.S. president to face a criminal trial.

Sununu said the trial is not going to have major political ramifications because "people see it more as reality TV at this point."

Sununu, when reached by phone Sunday, seemed surprised the interview was getting so much attention when asked for a response. A spokesperson for Sununu later said he was tied up and couldn't be reached for further comment.

Stephanopoulos tried to steer the conversation away from politics and asked Sununu about right and wrong. In the past, Sununu admitted Trump's "rhetoric and actions" contributed to the insurrection.

"People are upset by Jan. 6th. They're upset by the election denial. They have every right to be — I am — but at the end of the day, they need a culture change to get America back on track," Sununu said.

He said he doesn't think all Americans are comfortable with the criminal indictments and possible conviction, but it's not a deal-breaker, given President Joe Biden's record.

"I think the real discussion is, you know, America's moving away from Biden. That's how bad Biden has become as president. There's just no doubt about it, right?" Sununu said. "You can't ignore inflation. You can't ignore the border and say that these issues in the courthouse are going to be the one thing that brings Biden back into office. It's not going to happen that way."

Sununu said he wants to see a Republican administration.

State Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley offered a brief statement on Sununu's remarks.

"Chris Sununu lacks the courage of Vice President Pence, Vice President Cheney, President Bush, Senator Romney, Trump's cabinet, his White House staff and more all refusing to support Trump's return to the White House. Shame on him," he said in a text message to the Union Leader.

Sununu pointed out polls showing 51% of Americans supporting Trump.

"They're not crazy. They're not MAGA conservatives. They're not extremists. They want culture change," Sununu said.

Stephanopoulos asked, "And you believe that someone — you believe that a president who contributed to an insurrection should be president again?"

"As does 51% of America, George. I mean, really," Sununu said.

Sununu's comments created a firestorm of responses on social media, including X, formerly Twitter.

Michael Steele, former RNC Chairman and former lieutenant governor in Maryland, offered sharp criticism of Sununu.

"Wow @ChrisSununu. Then what the hell did you endorse and support @NikkiHaley for? Her 5-inch heels?" he wrote on X. "And no, 51% of Americans do not support insurrection or want a convicted felon for president. But you do. Just say that."

Others supported Sununu, "Stephanopoulos' premise here is garbage. Most Americans recognize the lawfare and kangaroo courts being deployed against Trump. So of course Americans will not be deterred from voting for Trump," another wrote.

Sununu tried to push the conversation toward inflation and security at the southern border and that "relitigating Jan. 6th" is not a top issue.

"If you ask the average American, is Jan. 6 a top issue and you go on the ballot box, not even in the top five," the governor said.

He called Trump's indictments a distraction.

"I would rather have Republicans on the campaign trail talking about real issues than, you know, having to talk about this stuff," he said.

jphelps@unionleader.com