President Trump on Thursday called Sen. Jeff Flake “toxic” and “weak” on border security and crime, and praised his primary challenger, Kelli Ward.
“Great to see that Dr. Kelli Ward is running against Flake Jeff Flake, who is WEAK on borders, crime and a non-factor in Senate. He’s toxic!” Trump tweeted Thursday morning.
Great to see that Dr. Kelli Ward is running against Flake Jeff Flake, who is WEAK on borders, crime and a non-factor in Senate. He’s toxic!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017
Flake has been critical of Trump since the 2016 campaign, and most recently, the Arizona senator has lamented the direction the GOP has taken since Trump became president.
Ward is challenging Flake in the Republican primary for his seat in the Senate. She previously challenged Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., last year, but lost.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., defended Flake later by saying he is a “principled legislator.”
.@JeffFlake is a principled legislator & always does what’s right for the people of #AZ. Our state needs his leadership now more than ever.
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) August 17, 2017
