Trump attacks Roy Cooper, hypes GOP opponent during Fort Bragg speech

The Hill

by Filip Timotija

February 13, 2026

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Trump attacks Roy Cooper, hypes GOP opponent during Fort Bragg speech

President Donald Trump delivered a speech at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he criticized former Governor Roy Cooper, a Democratic candidate running for the U.S. Senate, while simultaneously boosting Republican opponent Michael Whatley. Trump’s remarks focused on national security and leadership, emphasizing the importance of having strong leaders to protect the region. He directly attacked Cooper, suggesting that his policies as governor contributed to negative outcomes in North Carolina, such as job losses and rising crime rates. By speaking at Fort Bragg, a significant military base, Trump aimed to connect his message with local concerns about security and economic stability. Cooper, who served as North Carolina’s governor until 2021, is now running for the U.S. Senate against Whatley. During the speech, Trump highlighted Cooper’s Democratic ties, linking him to policies that have hurt the state, such as supporting decisions to close military bases. This move by Trump appears designed to rally conservative voters in a battleground state, where the outcome of the Senate race could influence the balance of power in Washington. The event underscores Trump’s strategy to personally attack political opponents while positioning himself and his allies as defenders of key issues like national security and economic growth. By directly engaging with military personnel and local residents at Fort Bragg, Trump sought to frame Cooper as unfit to lead and Whatley as the preferable choice for the state’s future. This approach reflects a broader effort by Trump and the Republican Party to energize their base ahead of crucial midterm elections. This dynamic matters because North Carolina is a key battleground in national politics, with its Senate race potentially shaping the composition of Congress. Trump’s involvement highlights the high stakes

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Originally published on The Hill on 2/13/2026