Republican Senator Bob Corker has strongly criticized Donald Trump, calling his “utterly untruthful president” and saying he would “no way” support his candidacy in the future election.
When asked in an interview with CNN if he regretted supporting Trump in the 2016 presidential election, Corker, who was at one point considered for both Vice President and Secretary of State in the Trump administration, responded, “Let’s just put it this way, I would not do that again.”
The outgoing chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has slammed Trump for “breaking down” US relations with countries throughout the world.
“I think the debasing of our nation, the constant non-truth telling, the name calling, I think the debasement of our nation will be what he’s remembered most for and that’s regretful.”
The rift between Trump and Corker comes as the president prepares to head to the Capitol later on Tuesday to attend a policy lunch with Republican senators.
Trump Strikes and… Strikes Back Again
Corker was speaking to CNN just hours after Trump lashed out at the senator in a series of tweets, which continued after the senator’s interview.
In the latest tweets, the US president has slammed Corker as “incompetent,” adding that “the entire World WAS laughing and taking advantage” of Washington due to the chairman of the foreign relations committee.
Prior to the senator’s interview, Trump accused Corker of blocking the Republican Party’s efforts to adopt new tax cuts, calling Corker a “lightweight” and saying he “couldn’t get elected dog catcher in Tennessee.”
Corker responded on Twitter by repeating his comparison of the White House to an adult day care center.
War or Words 2.0
A similar comment was made by Corker earlier this month after Trump took to Twitter to accuse the retiring Senate heavyweight of “a negative voice in the way of our great agenda,” as well as allegedly “begging” him to endorse him for re-election and not having “the guts” after being criticized by the senator.
“Senator Bob Corker “begged” me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said “NO” and he dropped out (said he could not win without my endorsement). He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said “NO THANKS.” He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal! Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda. Didn’t have the guts to run!” Trump wrote on October 8.
Shortly after, Corker responded: “It’s a shame the White House has become an adult day care center.”