Trump celebrates Romney retirement: 'He did not serve with distinction'

Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday celebrated Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney's announcement that he would not seek a second term, suggesting he had opted against pursuing reelection in the face of a potentially tough primary race.

"Fantastic news for American, the great state of Utah, & for the Republican Party," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Mitt Romney, sometimes referred to as Pierre Delecto, will not be seeking a second term in the U.S. Senate, where he did not serve with distinction."

"Pierre Delecto" is an online pseudonym Romney used for an alternate Twitter account.

"A big primary fight against him was in the offing, but now that will not be necessary," he continued. "Congrats to all. Make America great Again!"

Prior to Romney's announcement, Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs had announced a primary challenge to the senator. Utah Speaker of the House Brad Wilson, meanwhile, launched an exploratory committee for a similar bid.

Trump and Romney often butted heads on both issues and decorum. The Utah lawmaker was the sole Republican to vote for Trump's ouster during the first impeachment trial.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.