Report: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on why he's supporting Trump after all

• "It's absolutely a litmus test. I don't think it should be. I wish it wasn't that way. But it is," Cox said, per the story.

Why it matters: Cox's endorsement of Trump remains a head scratcher for Republicans and Democrats alike — especially after he survived a contentious GOP primary against MAGA candidates.

Flashback: Cox said he didn't vote for Trump in 2016 or 2020.

• Days before endorsing Trump, he told CNN he would not cast a ballot for him over lingering concerns around the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Between the lines: Even Utah first lady Abby Cox, who endorsed Nikki Haley for the GOP nomination, opposed the governor's endorsement.

• "This wasn't her favorite idea — to put it mildly. And still isn't," Cox said.

Catch up quick: In recent months, Cox has shied away from his carefully nurtured profile as a moderate.

• In his nationwide "Disagree Better" campaign for civility, he featured a GOP firebrand who calls environmentalists "terrorists."
• After promoting Utah's bipartisan support for Salt Lake's bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, he repeatedly amplified culture-war debates during the recent Summer Games in Paris.