Cawthorn invokes Trump in campaign video amid orgy, cocaine comments scandal

Embattled Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) would like to assure everyone that, despite the backlash toward his wild claims of Washington, D.C. orgies and cocaine use, he has every intention of sticking around. Oh, and he's a friend of former President Donald Trump's, lest we forget.
"The radical left, the establishment, and the media want to take me down. Their attacks have been relentless," Cawthorn tweeted Thursday. "I won't stop fighting. I won't bow to the mob. They want to silence the America First movement. I'm not going anywhere."
Cawthorn's message was accompanied by an ad claiming Democrats are "terrified" of Cawthorn because he is "effective," and will "never stop putting America first."
Subscribe to 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.
The end of the 30-second spot highlights a photo of Cawthorn and Trump, alongside a quote from the former president: "He has my complete and total endorsement."
Contrary to his messaging, it's not just Democrats that Cawthorn has irked. The lawmaker was recently reprimanded by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) at the behest of angry caucus members, and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina has opted to back one of Cawthorn's challengers in an upcoming primary. Cast out by many, Cawthorn now seems to be "relying on his ties to Trump to survive," posits CNN's Manu Raju.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
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.
-
What does the Le Pen verdict mean for the future of French politics?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION Convicted of embezzlement and slapped with a five year ban on running for public office, where does arch-conservative Marine Le Pen go from here — and will the movement she leads follow?
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Discount stores were thriving. How did they stumble?
The Explainer Blame Walmart — and inflation
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Kaja Kallas: the EU's new chief diplomat shaping the future of European defense
In the Spotlight Former Estonian Prime Minister's status as an uncompromising Russia hawk has gone from liability to strength
By David Faris Published
-
Trump 'not joking' about unconstitutional 3rd term
Speed Read The president seems to be serious about seeking a third term in 2028
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?
In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
By The Week Staff Published
-
Why does Donald Trump want Greenland?
The Explainer Trump is not the only US president who has tried to gain control of Greenland
By The Week UK Published
-
What dangers does the leaked Signal chat expose the US to?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION The White House's ballooning group chat scandal offered a masterclass in what not to say when prying eyes might be watching
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Supreme Court upholds 'ghost gun' restrictions
Speed Read Ghost guns can be regulated like other firearms
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump sets 25% tariffs on auto imports
Speed Read The White House says the move will increase domestic manufacturing. But the steep import taxes could also harm the US auto industry.
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump allies urge White House to admit chat blunder
Speed Read Even pro-Trump figures are criticizing The White House's handling of the Signal scandal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Even authoritarian regimes need a measure of public support — the consent of at least some of the governed'
instant opinion 'Opinion, comment and editorials of the day'
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published