President Donald Trump on Monday endorsed Alabama Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore, writing on Twitter that "we need" Moore to win in lieu of Democratic opposition to GOP tax reform efforts.
It is the clearest sign of White House support for Moore since he faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct last month, including that he once initiated an encounter with a 14-year-old when he was 32.
While the White House initially indicated Moore should leave the race if the stories were true, Trump had since come around to Moore by citing the candidate denies the allegations against him. He had previously attacked Democratic opponent Doug Jones but had not mentioned Moore in his Twitter account since September.
On Monday, he fully endorsed Moore, touting Moore's conservative views and calling Jones a "Pelosi/Schumer puppet."
"Democrats refusal to give even one vote for massive Tax Cuts is why we need Republican Roy Moore to win in Alabama," Trump wrote. "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!"
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/937641904338063361
He later added: "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!"
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/937652739001212928
Polling shows a tight race between Moore and Jones in the red state, due in no small part to the swirl of allegations against Moore of past inappropriate behavior with teenagers. Trump initially endorsed incumbent Sen. Luther Strange (R., Ala.) in his primary fight with Moore, but Moore won handily and quickly got Trump's endorsement.
Then, the Washington Post published the first of a series of stories of women saying Moore pursued relationships with them as teenagers. Another woman came forward and said Moore tried to violently force her to perform oral sex on him when she was 16.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was among the top Republicans calling for Moore to drop out of the race last month, but on Sunday he watered down his stance, saying to let the "people of Alabama make the call."
The election will be held Dec. 12.
UPDATED 7:16 A.M.: This article was updated with another tweet from Trump.