Posted originally on CTH onApril 6, 2026 | Sundance
What I find interesting, within the inside baseball aspect of this political endorsement, is that Steve Hilton never even discussed getting a President Trump endorsement with him. If the remarks Hilton made to Politico are correct, there was never a discussion of the race with President Trump.
Either President Trump was just independently interested in the California primary contest, or someone put the primary into the conversational surrounding of President Trump.
PRESIDENT TRUMP – “I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years. He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell. Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job. People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World. Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!”
…”While Hilton and Bianco had both openly invited the president’s endorsement, Hilton, who has talked with Trump over the years, told POLITICO on Thursday that he had not spoken with Trump about the race.”…

