Former Sen. Tom Coburn — Oklahoma's most popular political figure when he resigned last year — is backing GOP presidential primary contender Sen. Marco Rubio, calling out front-runner Donald Trump as "perpetuating a fraud."
Coburn is among several prominent Oklahoma politicians and business leaders who've endorsed Rubio, including Sen. Jim Inhofe and Rep. Markwayne Mullin,
The Oklahoman reports.
The Florida lawmaker has now racked up support from 57 current congressional lawmakers, more than double that of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz,
The Hill reports.
"Donald Trump's campaign is a fabrication," Coburn's statement charges.
"He is perpetuating a fraud on the American people. His empty promises, bullying and bloviating rhetoric will only deepen the frustration and disillusionment that gave rise to his campaign.
"He simply lacks the character, skills and policy knowledge to turn his grandiose promises into reality."
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.