Trump had called her out by name at a White House news conference the day after Election Day, criticizing her and other defeated Republicans for not “embracing” him. Trump said: “Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost.”
With voting by mail a popular option in Utah, the outcome of Love’s race remained in doubt until last week, when the Associated Press called it for McAdams, the mayor of Salt Lake County. For a short time, Love had pulled ahead in the count, making it appear Trump’s assessment might have been premature.
Speaking in Salt Lake City on Monday, Love said she was taken aback by Trump’s “jab” at her.
Below are some notable comments Love made during her speech.
On Trump’s post-Election Day comments: “The president’s behavior towards me made me wonder: What did he have to gain by saying such a thing about a fellow Republican?” Love said.
On diversity in politics: “This election experience and these comments shines a spotlight on the problems Washington politicians have with minorities and black Americans — it’s transactional, it’s not personal. You see, we feel like politicians claim they know what’s best for us from a safe distance, yet they’re never willing to take us home.”
On staying committed to being a Republican: Despite the fallout with Trump, Love said that she knows “conservative policies work” — and did not rule out a comeback bid for Congress in 2020.
On speaking more freely in the future: “I am unleashed, I am untethered, and I am unshackled, and I can say exactly what’s on my mind,” Love said.