Roy Moore: RNC Reverses, Will Now Back GOP Senate Candidate's Bid

WASHINGTON, DC — After Donald Trump formally endorsed Roy Moore for Alabama Senate on Monday — looking past allegations that Moore sexually assaulted teen girls decades ago — the Republican National Committee is once again supporting the embattled Republican.

Trump said Moore's vote is needed in Congress and cited last week's Senate tax bill vote as the reason he should be elected. An RNC official confirmed the committee will continue financially supporting the Alabama Republican Party’s effort to elect Moore. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the internal deliberations. The reversal was first reported by Breitbart News.

Three weeks ago, the RNC said it would cut its fundraising ties to Moore, 70, in light of allegations he molested two teenagers when he was in his 30s.

Trump on Monday formally endorsed Moore in a phone call and tweeted: "Democrats refusal to give even one vote for massive Tax Cuts is why we need Republican Roy Moore to win in Alabama."

It was Trump's strongest show of support for Moore since Moore's sex abuse allegations surfaced. Many national Republicans have urged Moore to drop out of the race.

Trump also assailed Moore's Democratic rival Doug Jones, tweeting that "Putting a Pelosi/Schumer Liberal Puppet Jones into office in Alabama would hurt our great Republican Agenda of low on taxes, tough on crime, strong on military and borders...& so much more."

Trump — who has also been accused of sexual misconduct — remained mum for weeks after the Moore allegations surfaced, and the White House said he had no plans to stump for Moore before the Dec. 12 election. But Trump in recent days has raised doubts about the allegations against Moore, and he has agreed to headline a campaign-style rally in Pensacola, Florida — less than 20 miles from the Alabama border — just four days before the Alabama election.

And Trump tweeted of Moore on Monday: "We need his vote on stopping crime, illegal immigration, Border Wall, Military, Pro Life, V.A., Judges 2nd Amendment and more. No to Jones, a Pelosi/Schumer Puppet!"

Trump also talked to Moore over the phone. The two had "a positive call" and talked about the state of the race and the president's endorsement, White House spokesman Raj Shah said on Monday.

Moore's campaign said Trump called him a "fighter" and expressed his eagerness at having Moore fighting for his agenda in Washington.

Moore's wife, Kayla, thanked Trump for the call on her Facebook page and Roy Moore himself tweeted his thanks for the endorsement.

Moore said he "can't wait to help" Trump "#DrainTheSwamp."

It was Trump's strongest show of support for Moore since allegations surfaced that the candidate had sexually assaulted teenage girls decades ago, including one who said he molested her when she was 14 and he was in his 30s. Many national Republicans have called on Moore to step aside in the wake of multiple sexual assault and harassment allegations.

After Trump's tweet, Moore tweeted that "The America First agenda will #MAGA," a reference to Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan.

White House legislative director Marc Short told CNN that Trump was "making the case to the people of Alabama that it's a factor to consider that not one Democrat has been able to find time to say they support" the GOP tax plan.

Short said Trump's point is that "when allegations arise 38 years later, when Roy Moore has been a very public figure for those 38 years, he's run multiple times statewide in Alabama, the people in Alabama have an opportunity to choose and make some decisions about Roy Moore's character. Putting all that together, he's encouraging the people of Alabama to make the right decision."

Democrats refusal to give even one vote for massive Tax Cuts is why we need Republican Roy Moore to win in Alabama. We need his vote on stopping crime, illegal immigration, Border Wall, Military, Pro Life, V.A., Judges 2nd Amendment and more. No to Jones, a Pelosi/Schumer Puppet!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2017

Putting Pelosi/Schumer Liberal Puppet Jones into office in Alabama would hurt our great Republican Agenda of low on taxes, tough on crime, strong on military and borders...& so much more. Look at your 401-k’s since Election. Highest Stock Market EVER! Jobs are roaring back!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2017

By NANCY BENAC, Associated Press

Photo credit: Brynn Anderson/Associated Press