President Trump’s aggressive attacks on a White House official who testified about his concerns over Trump’s communications with Ukraine in the impeachment inquiry set off a furious backlash on Tuesday, with former Vice President Joe Biden calling the president’s remarks “despicable.”
Trump described Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, an active-duty member of the military who attended his deposition in uniform, as a “Never Trumper,” while some allies questioned the Purple Heart recipient’s patriotism given the fact that he emigrated from Ukraine as a child.
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) called the attacks “absurd,” while Rep. Liz Cheney (Wyo.), the No. 3 Republican in the House, admonished those who would question Vindman’s patriotism without naming names.
“Their patriotism, their love of country — we’re talking about decorated veterans who have served this nation, who put their lives on the line, and it is shameful to question their patriotism, their loving this nation, and we should not be involved in that process,” Cheney said at the House GOP leadership’s press conference.
Trump in a Tuesday tweet criticized Vindman as he prepared to testify before three congressional committees behind closed doors, suggesting the official was participating in a “witch hunt” against him.
“Supposedly, according to the Corrupt Media, the Ukraine call ‘concerned’ today’s Never Trumper witness,” Trump tweeted. “Was he on the same call that I was? Can’t be possible! Please ask him to read the Transcript of the call. Witch Hunt!”
The attack was on-brand for Trump, who has a well-earned reputation as a counterpuncher when criticized. Just last week, Trump slammed Vietnam veteran and U.S. diplomat Bill Taylor, using the same “Never Trumper” insult after decrying that group as “human scum.”
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Trump attacks on Vindman trigger backlash https://t.co/49xzuTjT9h pic.twitter.com/hfZd4zn8SI
— The Hill (@thehill) October 29, 2019
Rep. @Liz_Cheney: "It is shameful to question [Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman's] patriotism." pic.twitter.com/xPgGd1imMk
— The Hill (@thehill) October 29, 2019
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