Trump’s Statement On Missing GOP Congressman Causes New Scandal
President Trump on Monday threw his support behind Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.), offering a strong endorsement even as the congressman remains absent from Capitol Hill and the campaign trail due to an ongoing health issue.
The endorsement came ahead of Tuesday’s Republican primary in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, where Kean is running unopposed for renomination.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Kean as a “Great Representative” and highlighted his support for the administration’s priorities.
The president said Kean has been a strong advocate for the America First agenda, crediting him with efforts to strengthen border security, reduce crime, grow the economy, cut taxes and regulations, support small businesses, expand domestic energy production, back military veterans, and defend Second Amendment rights.
Trump concluded the endorsement by giving Kean his “Complete and Total Endorsement,” urging voters to support him and declaring that “he will never let you down.”
The endorsement arrives as questions continue surrounding Kean’s prolonged absence from Washington. According to House records, the New Jersey Republican has not cast a vote since March 5.
In April, Kean revealed he was dealing with what he described as a personal medical issue but declined to provide details about the condition. At the time, he said doctors expected him to make a full recovery and return to work.
Kean later indicated that he hoped to return to both Congress and the campaign trail within a matter of weeks. He said his doctors had given him a positive outlook and that the condition was not expected to cause long-term health complications.
“My doctors are confident that I’m on the road to a full recovery,” Kean said in a previous interview, adding that he understood public interest in his health and appreciated the support he had received from constituents.
His father, former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean Sr., has also stated that his son is recovering from a serious but temporary illness.
Despite his absence, Kean’s congressional and campaign social media accounts have remained active. Shortly after Trump’s endorsement, Kean thanked the president online and encouraged voters to participate in the primary election.
While Kean faces no opposition on the Republican side, Democrats will choose their nominee from a four-way primary field that includes Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Tina Shah, and Brian Varela.
Political observers expect the general election to be highly competitive. Kean narrowly defeated former Representative Tom Malinowski in 2022 and won reelection in 2024 against Democrat Sue Altman by a modest margin.
The race is currently considered one of the most competitive House contests in the country as Republicans work to protect their slim majority in Congress heading into November.
