This series lists Republicans and former Donald Trump’s associates now openly critical of the president. Today we reach an inglorious 101.
Click here for parts one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen and sixteen. This is part seventeen.
Click on the name for the source of the quote.
94. Chris Gagin, former Republican county chairman in Ohio:
“We are alarmed by the anti-democratic tactics and flagrant abuse of power committed daily by President Donald Trump. His actions are an affront to our Constitution. He has refused to confront foreign governments that meddled in US elections and engaged in disinformation programs against the United States.” [6 August, 2020]
95. Chris Vance, lifelong Republican, chairman of the Republican Party in Washington state:
“Donald Trump is not fit to be president, and he is not pursuing traditional Republican policies. Worst of all, Trump shows no respect for the constitution or the rule of law.” [August, 2020]
96. Michael Anne Johnson, former Assistant US Attorney:
“Trump has undermined the rule of law, obstructed justice, and issued pardons and commutations to cronies who covered up his misdeeds.” [August, 2020]
97. Nicolle Wallace, White House Communications Director for George W Bush and senior advisor for John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign:
“We have a global pandemic and he’s a ‘liar liar pants on fire’ president ... The coronavirus is not Donald Trump’s fault. But everything he has done in exaggerating about the status of tests, and lying about its severity and saying it will just go away – that’s all on him.” [10 March, 2020]
98. Robert Childers, life-long registered Republican in Florida:
“Trump is the worst president in the history of the United States. It’s baffling to me how anyone can still support him after the things he has done and how he has divided our nation ... This is crazy. And also all of the Republican politicians out there with no spine, who won’t stand up to him and disagree with him, is clearly baffling to me.” [July, 2020]
99. William Perry, Former Defense Secretary:
“I am outraged at the deplorable behavior of our President and Defense Secretary Esper, threatening to use American military forces to suppress peaceful demonstrators exercising their constitutional rights. This is a deeply shameful moment for our nation.” [5 June, 2020]
100. General John Allen, Marine Corps officer who served under all presidents from Ford to Obama:
“Donald Trump isn’t religious, has no need of religion, and doesn’t care about the devout, except insofar as they serve his political needs. … To even the casual observer, Monday [outside St. John's Church in Lafayette Square] was awful for the United States and its democracy. The president’s speech was calculated to project his abject and arbitrary power, but he failed to project any of the higher emotions or leadership desperately needed in every quarter of this nation during this dire moment …We should all be attentive right now to how the rule of law is being administered in this country.” [4 June, 2020]
And from the archives:
101. Jason Chaffetz, Republican congressman for Utah:
“I’m out. I can no longer in good conscience endorse this person [Trump] for president. It is among the most abhorrent and offensive comments that you can possibly imagine.” [7 October, 2016]
To be continued ...
Readers’ tips in the comments are invited.
