Trump becomes presumptive Republican presidential nominee as party seeks unity
After months of denial that their presidential candidate could be Donald Trump, the Republican establishment is starting to fall in line behind the billionaire businessman.
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Preibus tweeted Tuesday evening:
.@realDonaldTrump will be presumptive @GOP nominee, we all need to unite and focus on defeating @HillaryClinton #NeverClinton
— Reince Priebus (@Reince) May 4, 2016
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, dropped out of the race Tuesday following a loss in the Indiana primary that gave Trump an all but certain path to the nomination.
Trump is the first presumptive nominee for the presidency who hasn’t previously held elected office since Dwight Eisenhower. His lack of political experience and bombastic style have polarized the party.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R- S.C., who himself ran for the nomination but dropped out several months ago, said Trump’s nomination will destroy the party.
Sen. Ben Sasse, R.-Neb., also reiterated his opposition to Trump Tuesday evening.
This story was originally published May 3, 2016 at 6:54 PM with the headline "Trump becomes presumptive Republican presidential nominee as party seeks unity."