Trump Endorsement of Blake Miguez Faces Scrutiny Amidst Past Allegations
President Trump’s “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Louisiana congressional candidate Blake Miguez is under scrutiny following the resurfacing of a 2007 police report detailing accusations of rape and abusive behavior. The allegations, which Miguez denies, surfaced months before his pivot from a U.S. Senate bid to a run for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District.
Details of the 2007 Police Report
According to the police report obtained by The Atlantic, Miguez’s former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault and a pattern of abusive behavior. The report alleges that Miguez engaged in sexual activity despite the woman’s explicit refusal and subsequently followed her after she fled their home. She reportedly hid until a friend could assist her, after which she contacted 911.
The woman underwent a forensic examination at a hospital, and Miguez was questioned by police. Though, no charges were filed after the woman informed a detective she did not wish to pursue prosecution. In a voluntary statement to police, she wrote, “I called 911 cause I honestly was/am scared!”
White House and Campaign Response
The emergence of the police report presents a challenge for President Trump, who has faced numerous accusations of sexual misconduct and was found liable for sexual abuse in a New York civil trial. The Atlantic reports that two individuals familiar with the White House endorsement process stated that Trump’s advisors were not informed of the report prior to the endorsement.
The Miguez campaign has denied the claims and pointed to a February 24 email from the accuser’s father, stating his daughter’s accusations were lies. The email, however, did not refute the specifics outlined in the police report. A campaign spokesperson declined to answer questions regarding when Miguez learned of the report’s circulation or whether he disclosed it to the White House or the Club for Growth.
Political Implications and Support
Despite the allegations, Miguez continues to receive support from some conservative groups. The Club for Growth, which endorsed Miguez prior to Trump, acknowledged awareness of “false accusations made 20 years ago” but does not consider them credible. Fox News reported that the Club for Growth referenced the woman’s history in a statement, accusing her of a “long record of fabricated claims.”
Miguez previously ran for U.S. Senate, criticizing incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy. After Trump endorsed Representative Julia Letlow in that primary, Miguez shifted his focus to Letlow’s open congressional seat.
The Upcoming Primary Election
The Republican primary for Louisiana’s 5th District, where Trump won 67 percent of the vote in 2024, remains competitive. Other candidates include Michael Echols, Rick Edmond, and Misti Cordell. The primary election is scheduled for May 16.