Brooks responds after Trump yanks endorsement: 'I break my sworn oath for no man'

Alabama Senate candidate and GOP Rep. Mo Brooks has issued a response after former President Donald Trump on Wednesday withdrew his endorsement of the lawmaker and former political ally.
"It's disappointing that, just like in 2017, President Trump lets [Senate Minority Leader] Mitch McConnell manipulate him again. Every single negative TV ad against our campaign has come from McConnell and his allies," Brooks wrote. "I wish President Trump wouldn't fall for McConnell's ploys, but once again, he has."
On Sunday, Brooks put out a new campaign ad attacking McConnell, also a frequent Trump target, and vowed to oust the Kentucky Republican from his position should Brooks secure a seat in the Senate, reports Talking Points Memo.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Brooks continued by maintaining that he has not changed, and is the "only proven America First candidate" in the Alabama race, despite having "repeatedly advised" Trump there was no way to overturn the 2020 election. He said he did so "knowing full well" that it might cause the former president to yank back his endorsement.
"But I took a sworn oath to defend and protect the U.S. Constitution. I honor my oath," he said. "I break my sworn oath for no man."
Brooks was the first Republican lawmaker to vote against certifying the 2020 election on Jan. 6, 2021.
He went on to claim that he is still the "most conservative candidate in the race," and he's "confident that the people of Alabama will see that on Election Day."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
In August, Brooks was backed by roughly 40 percent of GOP primary voters; according to a poll released Tuesday, however, that support has plunged to just 16.1 percent, per CNBC. His weakening performance is also likely one of the reasons, if not the real reason, Trump backed out.
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
‘Are we just going to stand in passive witness to the degradation of our democracy?’
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Do Republicans have a health care plan?
Today's Big Question The shutdown hinges on the answer
-
The new age of book banning
The Explainer How America’s culture wars collided with parents and legislators who want to keep their kids away from ‘dangerous’ ideas
-
‘Are we just going to stand in passive witness to the degradation of our democracy?’
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
‘Vile, racist’ leaked chats roil Young Republicans
Speed Read Leaders of Young Republican groups made racist, antisemitic and violent comments in private chats
-
Trump ties $20B Argentina bailout to Milei votes
speed read Trump will boost Argentina’s economy — if the country’s right-wing president wins upcoming elections
-
Venezuela: Does Trump want war?
Feature Donald Trump has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug cartel and waging a narco-terrorism campaign against the United States
-
Two years on, a Gaza truce may be in sight
Feature Israel and Hamas consider the U.S.’ 20-point peace plan exchanging hostages for prisoners
-
News organizations reject Pentagon restrictions
Speed Read The proposed policy is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s latest move to limit press access at the Pentagon
-
Trump declares end to Gaza war, ‘dawn’ of new Mideast
Speed Read Hamas freed the final 20 living Israeli hostages and Israel released thousands of Palestinian detainees
-
Has the Gaza deal saved Netanyahu?
Today's Big Question With elections looming, Israel’s longest serving PM will ‘try to carry out political alchemy, converting the deal into political gold’