Former President Donald Trump endorsed Leora Levy for U.S. Senate on Thursday night - throwing drama into Tuesday’s Republican primary.

Republican and Democratic insiders had said earlier Thursday that Trump might be making a move for Levy - and he did several hours later.

The endorsement came via a telephone call during a Republican gathering in Montville that was attended by numerous candidates. The endorsement came in the final days before the primary, and Republicans will be debating how much influence that Trump has over the party in Connecticut. Trump’s high-profile endorsements have led to victory for some candidates across the country, while others have been defeated.

In his endorsement statement, Trump blasted U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Greenwich and the Republican Party’s convention-endorsed candidate, Themis Klarides of Madison.

“Ms. Klarides is weak on crime, weak on our military and vets, and will not be protecting our under siege Second Amendment,’' Trump wrote. “She has accused America of “systemic racism” and, very importantly, she has no chance of beating Da Nang Dick despite his fake and fraudulent military career.’'

Klarides has countered during the campaign that she is tough on crime, as shown by her endorsement by the Connecticut state police union.

“Leora Levy is a wonderful woman who works hard and smart, and will never let you down,’' Trump wrote. “She will defeat the corrupt Richard Blumenthal in November, and what a victory that will be. Leora has my complete and total endorsement!’'

Trump added, “Leora Levy ... has done a fantastic job in life. She has served on the Republican National Committee, and is a tireless advocate for Connecticut and for conservative values. In the Senate, she will work hard to grow the economy, secure the border, fight for energy independence, support our military and our vets, champion election integrity, protect the Second Amendment, and fight violent and vicious crime, which is at the highest level in Connecticut history.’'