Politico reports:
President Donald Trump on Sunday claimed that Sen. Bob Corker “begged” him for an endorsement and decided to not seek reelection in 2018 when Trump declined to offer one. A spokeswoman for the Tennessee Republican did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump’s claims come after Corker last week told reporters that some of Trump’s advisers are helping control an otherwise chaotic situation.
“I think Secretary Tillerson, Secretary Mattis and Chief of Staff Kelly are those people that help separate our country from chaos,” Corker said, referring to Rex Tillerson, James Mattis and John Kelly.
Senator Bob Corker “begged” me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said “NO” and he dropped out (said he could not win without…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017
..my endorsement). He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said “NO THANKS.” He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017
…Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda. Didn’t have the guts to run!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017