Rep. Mike Lawler (RN.Y.) said his rhetoric about former President Trump and fascism is hurtful to other Republicans and “needs to stop.”
Lawler appeared on CBS News' “Face the Nation” Sunday morning, where host Margaret Brennan questioned whether President Trump is deepening divisions in American politics that his opponents could exploit. When asked if there was any, they discussed the upcoming election.
“There is no question that our enemies are exploiting our divisions,” Lawler said. “If Democrats are going to say that Donald Trump is a threat to democracy and that the Republican Party is part of a fascist movement that is undermining us, then all the rhetoric needs to stop.”
In addition to the “crisis on our southern border,” Lawler asserted that the United States faces threats from China, Russia, and Iran.
“These are issues that we must address as Americans and as government officials, and that is my commitment regardless of the outcome of the November election,” Lawlor said.
The New York Republican said he focuses on international threats and has worked across the aisle in Congress. Lawler said he plans to continue doing so if Trump is elected.
Democrats often refer to President Trump as a fascist threat. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the former president's increased attacks on immigrants across the country have become “blatantly fascist.”
