Derek Chen’s Early Trump Support and America First Record Speaks for Itself

Guest Opinion by Joe Williams

I’ve known Derek Chen for more than a decade, and I can say without question that he’s one of the truest American patriots I’ve ever met. Back when we were both students at Hope College, a small conservative Christian college in West Michigan, Derek stood out as a real leader. He was one of the youngest students on campus, but everyone from professors to business leaders to state politicians knew who he was. Derek was president of the Hope College Republicans and a respected conservative voice across Michigan. I worked right beside him as a fellow member and leader in that group, and also as his vice president in our fraternity at Hope College. Even then, Derek led with strength, faith, and conviction.

What impressed me most was Derek’s courage and loyalty when times got tough. In the dead of Michigan winter in 2015, during the early stages of the Trump campaign, I watched Derek walk through waist-high snow to knock on doors and put out yard signs for then-candidate Donald J. Trump. He believed in the message of putting America First and wasn’t afraid to stand up for it. Derek got straight to work. When he wasn’t walking through the snow, he was driving his Ford F-150 around the state, rallying conservatives and building support for President Trump.

I’ve seen that same drive in every part of Derek’s life. He works hard, he’s genuine, and he always keeps his word. I know this because I’ve lived my own life by those same values. After college, I had the honor of representing our country as a member of the U.S. National Handball Team, training with Team USA at Auburn University (War Eagle!).

Today, I am a constitutional and federal attorney. I’ve spent my career defending the rights that make this nation strong. My younger brother now serves our nation as a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. My family believes deeply in faith, freedom, and service…and so does Derek.

Derek Chen has been a Trump supporter since day one of his campaign in 2015 and he remains loyal to the America First movement today. Over the years, he’s grown into an experienced, wise, and respected leader. Derek understands what it means to work for the people (not the politicians) and he’s exactly the kind of man Alabama needs as its next State Auditor. He’ll protect your tax dollars, fight for transparency, and make sure every penny is accounted for.

Derek Chen isn’t just smart and experienced; he’s someone who truly loves this country and his state of Alabama. I saw it when he was a student, and I see it now. Alabama deserves a leader like Derek: a man of faith, loyalty, and courage who will always put Alabama and America first.

Joe Williams is a constitutional attorney and former member of the U.S. National Handball Team, where he trained with Team USA at Auburn University. A graduate of Hope College, Williams has been active in conservative leadership and advocacy for more than a decade. 

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