Kari Lake, who came in first in the annual Conservative Political Action Conference straw poll as Donald Trump’s potential vice presidential pick, has faced challenges since then. She has encountered difficulties with both Trump loyalists and with Trump himself.
According to a Trump adviser, Lake is perceived as a “shameless, ruthless demagogue” who seeks power and attention. Recent reports suggest that Trump’s enthusiasm for Lake has waned, as he sees her as someone who constantly seeks the spotlight.
While Lake checks the box of being a loyal Trump supporter, her ambition to outshine the former president may be a stumbling block. Trump reportedly does not appreciate her constantly proclaiming her desire to be his vice president.
Despite Lake’s aspirations, she was not chosen as Trump’s national spokeswoman, which some insiders interpret as a sign of Trump’s reservations about her. However, opinions differ among Trump advisers and insiders on whether she could still serve in a future administration, potentially as a press secretary.
A spokesperson for Lake dismissed the drama as attempts by Governor Ron DeSantis’ team to create divisions between Trump and his supporters. However, it appears that it is Trump’s own associates who believe Lake’s time in the spotlight may be coming to an end.
Lake’s frequent presence at Mar-a-Lago and her alleged extended stays there have also raised eyebrows. Some Trump insiders believe she may be overstaying her welcome.
Despite the concerns raised by Trump’s advisers, the former president continues to publicly support Lake, even endorsing her new book. Trump apparently views Lake’s election loss in the Arizona governor race as similar to his own, attributing both to alleged election fraud.
