On October 9, 2020, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said, “Trump might be ridiculous for the rest of the world, but he is sane and wise man for the Taliban.”

Mujahid explained their support: “We hope he will win the election and wind up U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. When we heard about Trump being COVID-19 positive, we got worried for his health, but seems he is getting better.”

Two days prior to the endorsement, Trump tweeted that all remaining US personnel in Afghanistan should be home by Christmas.

In the year, Trump spoke with Taliban leaders and announced peace talks, but the agreement soon after scrapped.

The day after the Taliban’s endorsement, a Trump campaign spokesman rejected.

Axios – Trump campaign rejects Taliban’s endorsement for U.S. president
The Hill – Taliban supports Trump reelection
CBS News – The Taliban on Trump: “We hope he will win the election” and withdraw U.S. troops
Politico – Trump confirms ‘very good talk’ with Taliban leaders