Trump's backing of Strange has Alabama conservatives reeling

“It looks like there’s some significant frustration with the president over this,” Givhan said.

For Matt Murphy, a conservative radio host in Alabama, the president’s endorsement suggested Trump “has no clue who Luther is … and he just stabbed Mo in the back,” Murphy tweeted. “Too bad, really. Mitch [McConnell] running the show??”

Other conservative activists echoed Murphy’s concerns, expressing doubt that Trump could have made a truly informed endorsement. On WVNN radio, host Dale Jackson said Wednesday, “I don’t think [Trump] knows about what’s happening in the great state of Alabama. So, much like ignorant voters, I would prefer they shh, and let us handle it.”