Halo Composer Marty O'Donnell Embraces Trump Endorsement in Nevada Congressional Race

O'Donnell previously called Trump an 'idiot' but now welcomes the former president's support.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:23am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring fractured, overlapping geometric shapes and patterns in red, white, and blue, conveying a sense of motion and energy around a central face-like form, symbolizing the complex intersection of politics, celebrity, and personal transformation.The unexpected political alliance between Halo composer Marty O'Donnell and former President Donald Trump reflects the shifting sands of modern American politics.Las Vegas Today

Marty O'Donnell, the acclaimed composer behind the Halo video game soundtracks, is running for Congress in Nevada's 3rd District. Despite previously criticizing former President Donald Trump, O'Donnell has now embraced Trump's endorsement in his campaign.

Why it matters

O'Donnell's shift in stance towards Trump highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of political alliances, especially for non-traditional candidates. This endorsement could sway Republican voters in the primary, but it also raises questions about O'Donnell's principles and motivations.

The details

After placing fourth in the 2024 Republican primary, O'Donnell is making another run for Congress. This time, he has secured the backing of former President Donald Trump, who praised O'Donnell as an 'America First Patriot' and denounced the Democratic incumbent, Susie Lee, as a 'true Radical Left Extremist'. O'Donnell, who previously called Trump an 'idiot' he 'loathed', has now welcomed the endorsement, saying he is 'truly honored' and looks forward to 'working with [Trump] in Congress'.

  • O'Donnell placed fourth in the June 2024 Republican primary.
  • Trump endorsed O'Donnell on April 14, 2026.

The players

Marty O'Donnell

A former composer at Bungie who worked on the Halo video game soundtracks, and is now running for Congress in Nevada's 3rd District as a Republican.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has endorsed O'Donnell's congressional campaign.

Susie Lee

The Democratic incumbent in Nevada's 3rd Congressional District, whom Trump has denounced as a 'true Radical Left Extremist'.

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What they’re saying

“It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Marty O'Donnell. A World-Class Composer and Entrepreneur who knows the America First Policies required to Create GREAT Jobs, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote NO TAX ON TIPS, Advance MADE IN THE U.S.A., and Champion our Nation's Golden Age.”

— Donald Trump, Former President of the United States

“I am truly honored to have the support of President Donald J. Trump. Much like President Trump, I didn't come from the world of politics. I spent my entire career in the business world. I had the honor of working with some incredible people and composing music for some of the greatest video games of all time... I appreciate the trust that the President has put in me and look forward to working with him in Congress.”

— Marty O'Donnell, Congressional Candidate

What’s next

The Republican primary election in Nevada's 3rd Congressional District is scheduled for June 9, 2026. O'Donnell will face off against several other candidates who have also sought to align themselves with Trump.

The takeaway

O'Donnell's shift in stance towards Trump, despite his previous criticism of the former president, highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of political alliances, especially for non-traditional candidates. This endorsement could sway Republican voters in the primary, but it also raises questions about O'Donnell's principles and motivations.