After President Donald Trump formally endorsed embattled Republican Roy Moore for the open Senate seat in Alabama, the New York Times reports that the Republican National Committee resumed funding for Moore's campaign at the president's "direct urging."

The RNC had previously pulled funding for Moore following the allegations of sexual misconduct made by nine women. Three women allege Moore sexually assaulted them, with one stating Moore assaulted her when she was 14 and he was 32.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell seemed to step away from his own strong criticism of Moore following the president's endorsement, telling the press that voters in Alabama should "make the call."

Former Republican nominee Mitt Romney, reportedly considering a run for U.S. Senate in Utah, strongly condemned the party's embrace of Moore, calling the women accusing Moore of assault "heroes."

Roy Moore in the US Senate would be a stain on the GOP and on the nation. Leigh Corfman and other victims are courageous heroes. No vote, no majority is worth losing our honor, our integrity. — Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) December 4, 2017

Aside from numerous allegations of sexual assault, Moore was twice effectively removed from the Alabama Supreme Court when he served as chief justice, both times for refusing to adhere to the law. Moore's extremist views include support for criminalizing homosexuality and inaccurately claiming that it's illegal to kneel during the national anthem.