Over the weekend, Republican Sen. Jeff flake was caught on a hot mic predicting the demise of the GOP if the party continued to embrace the likes of Donald Trump and Roy Moore. In response to the comments, the president was quick to hit back on Twitter.
Trump on Flake
When Donald Trump first announced that he would be running for president, the initial consensus was that it was nothing more than a joke and a possible attempt to generate higher ratings for his reality show. Despite this, the former host of "The Apprentice" picked up steam and was able to ride that momentum to a primary win over 16 other conservative candidates.
While Trump was successful, some Republicans weren't pleased, with many left worried that the billionaire real state mogul would damage the party's brand with his controversial style and reckless behavior. Following his shocking win over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton last November, Trump has continued to clash with his own party, making legislation dealing with health care and tax reform difficult despite having majority-control of the Senate and House of Representatives. Senators like John McCain and Lindsey Graham have spoken out in opposition to Trump, in addition to fellow senators Bob Corker and Jeff Flake who announced that they would not seek re-election due to Trump's presidency.
On Saturday, it was revealed that Flake believes the GOP won't survive under Trump, which the president commented on during a November 19 tweet, which was accidentally posted as a self-response to his own previous Twitter post.
Sen. Jeff Flake(y), who is unelectable in the Great State of Arizona (quit race, anemic polls) was caught (purposely) on “mike” saying bad things about your favorite President. He’ll be a NO on tax cuts because his political career anyway is “toast.”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2017
Taking to Twitter on Sunday night, Donald Trump didn't hold back his thoughts about Jeff Flake over his aforementioned comments.
"Sen. Jeff Flake(y), who is unelectable in the Great State of Arizona (quit race, anemic polls) was caught (purposely) on 'mike' saying bad things about your favorite President," Trump tweeted, while using the incorrect abbreviation of the term microphone, writing "mike" instead of "mic." "He’ll be a NO on tax cuts because his political career anyway is 'toast,'" he concluded.
No news here. I've been saying this to anyone who will listen https://t.co/50klmeSm5a
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) November 18, 2017
The remarks in question were made while Jeff Flake was speaking to Mesa, Arizona Mayor John Giles on Friday night. "If we become the party of Roy Moore and Donald Trump, we are toast," Flake said. Ever sine Flake announced he would be be running for re-election, he's been outspoken against Trump, referring to the commander in chief as "reckless, outrageous, and undignified" earlier this year.
Next up
As Donald Trump continues his in-fighting with members of the Republican Party, he has many unanswered questions facing him in the White House. With tax reform and the future of health care remaining a mystery, many continue to wonder what turn the Russian investigation will take next.