Ex-governor of Massachusetts says he has set up an exploratory committee to pursue the Republican presidential nomination

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Donald Trump is facing a potential challenge in the 2020 primaries after Bill Weld, the former governor of Massachusetts, became the first rebel Republican to take on the president in a long shot bid to oust him.

Which Republicans will take on Trump in 2020? Read more

Weld announced on Friday that he had set up an exploratory committee to begin the process of challenging Trump for the Republican presidential nomination. In a speech in Bedford, New Hampshire, he criticized the president as a threat to American democracy and said it was time for patriots to stand against him.

“In every country there comes a time when patriotic men and women must stand up and speak out to protect our individual rights and the overall health of the nation. In our country, now is such a time,” he said, according to the local New Hampshire news station WMUR9.

Sign up for the US morning briefing

Weld, 73, has a Herculean task ahead of him in seeking to topple Trump. He is unlikely to be able to muster anything like as much money or media attention as the White House incumbent.

But by opening a crack of insurgency within the Republican party, he may embolden others to follow. He may also force Trump to expend some energy, however limited, on his right flank at a time when Democratic presidential candidates are amassing on his left.

Weld comes from the libertarian wing of US conservatism. He ran as vice-presidential running mate to Gary Johnson on the Libertarian party ticket in 2016.

He switched allegiance from Libertarian back to Republican only last week.

The former governor announced the start of a Trump challenge at the Politics and Eggs breakfast at the Bedford Village inn. The event traditionally attracts presidential candidates as New Hampshire holds the distinction of hosting the first primary election in the nation.

John Kasich and Democrat Sherrod Brown hint at 2020 presidential runs Read more

Weld addressed about 150 local business and political leaders, WMUR9 reported, and was scathing about Trump. He accused the president of running roughshod over press freedom and of “appalling instances of racism”.

“We cannot sit passively as our precious democracy slips quietly into darkness. Congress must do its duty and citizens we must do ours,” he said.

The start of a challenge is likely to intensify the spotlight on other potential Republican candidates. There has been speculation around former Ohio governor John Kasich, who was a sore in Trump’s side during the 2016 primaries, and around Larry Hogan, the current governor of Maryland.