Trump: Rivals who don't back me shouldn't be allowed to run for office

Donald TrumpDonald TrumpTrump met with 'some really amazing' Gold Star families Justice Dept. objected to cash payment to Iran: report Group to launch M pro-Trump radio blitz MORE on Wednesday hammered his former primary rivals for going back on a pledge to back the eventual GOP presidential nominee.

 

Trump said his primary opponents who now refuse to support his candidacy should not be allowed to run for office in the future, since they've gone back on their word.

 

“It was a rough campaign, and I wasn’t nice, but they weren’t nice either,” the presumptive GOP nominee said at a rally in Bangor, Maine.

 

“Honestly, you sign a pledge, you’re supposed to honor the pledge,” he continued. 

 

Trump called them “really sore losers” and said they only signed the pledge so he would do so as well.

 

"They broke their word, and in my opinion, they shouldn’t be allowed to run for office again ... because what they did is disgraceful."

 

Several of Trump’s former rivals have so far declined to endorse Trump for president.

 

Among them are Sens. Ted CruzTed CruzClinton campaign says it isn’t weighing ethanol mandate change GOP leaders blast Obama over Iran payment Dems ask Cruz to hold hearing on Trump's Russian hacking remarks MORE (R-Texas) and Lindsey GrahamLindsey GrahamIn Italy, Pelosi plays up NATO ties McCain in tough spot with Trump Pence: Trump plan will stop others feeling Khans’ ’enduring heartbreak’ MORE (R-S.C.), Ohio Gov. John Kasich, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former New York Gov. George Pataki and businesswoman Carly Fiorina.

 

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said earlier this year he would endorse the eventual GOP nominee, but distanced himself from Trump in interviews earlier this month. 

 

Sen. Marco RubioMarco RubioRubio calls for lawmakers to return to DC, pass Zika funding Fla. Senate candidate: I won't debate after reports of rival's domestic violence Few lobbyists coming around to Trump MORE (R-Fla.) has left a gray area, criticizing Trump at times but saying he will support whoever the GOP nominates.

 

Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee are among the former presidential candidates who have enthusiastically backed Trump.

 

Sen. Rand PaulRand PaulCongress asleep at the wheel on US operations in Libya Green party candidate: People have 'real questions' about vaccines What to watch for on Day 2 at the GOP convention MORE (R-Ky.), former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry have also endorsed Trump.