Sen. Ben Sasse snapped at President Trump for expressing support for voters who believe in the QAnon conspiracy theory, warning that if Democrats win the White House and take the Senate, it will be partly because of “garbage like this.”
“QAnon is nuts, and real leaders call conspiracy theories conspiracy theories,” the Nebraska Republican said in a statement issued Thursday morning. “If Democrats take the Senate, blow up the filibuster, and pack the Supreme Court, garbage like this will be a big part of why they won.”
Trump trails Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in most public opinion polls, with Democrats also threatening in more than a half-dozen Republican-held Senate seats. Democrats need only a net gain of three or four to flip the chamber.
Although Sasse did not mention Trump by name, it is clear from the timing of his statement that he was referring to the president’s comments from a Wednesday evening news conference at the White House.
[Related: ‘Just ridiculous’: Karl Rove says Trump failing to condemn QAnon was a ‘big mistake’]
Under questioning from a reporter, Trump said he did not “know much” about QAnon, a conspiracy theory that claims the United States government is controlled by a shadowy network of international figures who are trying to depose the president and posits that liberal elitists are behind the sex-trafficking of children. But Trump praised QAnon followers, explaining that they support him, love the country, and are disturbed by the ongoing civil unrest in some cities.
“They like me very much, which I appreciate,” Trump said. “I have heard that [QAnon] is gaining in popularity … These are people that don’t like seeing what’s going on in places like Portland.”
Sasse, who is expected to coast to reelection this fall and is mentioned as a possible 2024 Republican presidential candidate, has a rocky relationship with Trump.
The senator praises the president on issues in which they agree but is one of the few Republicans who offers blistering criticism when he thinks Trump is wrong.
Trump has slammed Sasse on Twitter as a double-dealer.
“RINO Ben Sasse, who needed my support and endorsement in order to get the Republican nomination for Senate from the GREAT State of Nebraska, has, now that he’s got it (Thank you President T), gone rogue, again,” Trump tweeted. “This foolishness plays right into the hands of the Radical Left Dems!”
Sasse’s supporters disagree, saying the senator has always been candid with the president regarding where he stands.
