By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News | Photo courtesy of the White House

President Donald Trump has provided an endorsement for state GOP chair in Utah. In a move surprising observers, the President endorsed incumbent chair Robert Axson over challenger Phil Lyman.

“Republicans in Utah have the opportunity to Re-Elect a FANTASTIC Chairman! Robert Axson has dedicated his life to the Republican Party, and the Great State of Utah,” said the President in a post to his Truth Social Platform. “He is Strongly Supported by many, including Highly Respected Senator Mike Lee, and Governor Spencer Cox. Robert Axson has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election as Chairman of the Utah Republican Party – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Republicans in Utah have the opportunity to Re-Elect a FANTASTIC Chairman! Robert Axson has dedicated his life to the Republican Party, and the Great State of Utah. He is Strongly Supported by many, including Highly Respected Senator Mike Lee, and Governor Spencer Cox. Robert…

— Trump Posts on 𝕏 (@trump_repost) May 8, 2025

Sen. Mike Lee echoed this sentiment, posting on X,” Rob Axson is not only one of the most effective state party chairmen we’ve ever had in Utah, he’s one of the best in the entire country. He’s uniformly respected and admired as a member of the RNC. He’s an unusually dedicated, talented, and energetic person. I’ve known and worked closely with him throughout the last 16 years, and he’s one of the most decent people I’ve ever known.”

This endorsement came as a surprise to some, given Trump’s history with Axson’s opponent, Phil Lyman. In 2020, the President issued a pardon to Lyman for his role in a 2014 protest ride on Bureau of Land Management land that was closed to motorized vehicles.

Lyman responded in a social media post of his own, acknowledging the endorsement of his opponent, but stated this didn’t sway his views on Trump. “Reminder- MAGA is about America – and I love it. My support for Donald Trump is not contingent on his support for me. We have work to do.”

This isn’t the first time Trump has provided endorsements in the beehive state. During the 2024 election cycle, the President spoke in support of Congressional Reps. Celeste Maloy and Burgess Owens, who both won their race. He also endorsed Senate candidate Trent Staggs, who lost in a primary contest against eventual election winner John Curtis.

Axson seeks to become the party’s first multi-term leader since James Evans (2013-2017). The vote will be held at the party’s state convention on Saturday, May 17.