Republican Senators Still Won’t Hold Trump Accountable For Failed Leadership

Republicans On The Ballot Refuse To Condemn Trump’s Dangerous Rhetoric, Tear Gassing of Peaceful Demonstrators For Publicity Stunt

Vulnerable Republican senators and candidates on the ballot are refusing to take meaningful action to hold President Trump accountable for his failed leadership, even after peaceful protesters were tear-gassed and removed from a public square where they were speaking out against violence against Black Americans. Some even defended him.

As the Charlotte Observer editorial board wrote today about the scene last night, “It was terrifying. It was shameful. If it leaves you shaking your head and asking where the bottom is with Donald Trump, we understand. If it leaves you speechless, however, then maybe your name is Thom Tillis.”

Tillis is not the only Republican Senate candidate who’s refused to condemn Trump’s failure to meet this moment. Here’s how some of the Republicans on the ballot responded:

• Senator Cory Gardner (CO): “didn’t criticize Trump directly”

• Senator Kelly Loeffler (GA): “does not respond when asked if what the president did last night was appropriate.”

• Congressman Doug Collins (GA): “‘The President is standing strong’”

• Senator David Perdue (GA): “declined to comment about Trump’s tweets”

• Senator Joni Ernst (IA): “‘I’m not going to speak for the president’”

• Senator Mitch McConnell (KY): “wouldn’t answer questions Monday about whether he believed Trump had struck the appropriate tone in his handling of the unrest.”

• Senator Susan Collins (ME): complained the president came across as “unsympathetic” but still hasn’t said if she voted for Trump in Maine’s presidential primary or if she will vote for him in November.

• Senator Steve Daines (MT): “‘I was grateful for the president’s leadership.’”

• Senator John Cornyn (TX): “declined ‘to comment about the tone of [Trump’s] tweets.’”

“Senate Republicans have made it clear that they would rather protect Trump and their political careers than protect Americans’ right to peacefully demonstrate,” said DSCC spokesperson Helen Kalla. “GOP senators long ago abdicated their responsibility to hold this president accountable. Their silence and complicity will cost them at the ballot box in November.”

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