Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) on Thursday didn’t appreciate Sen. Mitt Romney’s (R-Utah) criticism of his appearance at former President Trump’s trial, calling it “embarrassing.” He advised his colleague from Utah to focus more. His legislative work is more important than passing judgment on his fellow Republican senators.
“Mitt Romney is probably the person least capable of criticizing people’s attitudes toward Donald Trump,” Vance said.
“He attacked him, then begged him for a job, then attacked him again and begged him for support,” the senator added.
Vance was referring to Romney’s outspoken criticism of Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. After Trump’s election, Romney met with the then-president-elect at Trump National Golf Club.
Mr. Vance hinted that Mr. Romney might be interested in joining Trump’s cabinet or try to gain Mr. Trump’s support before the 2018 Senate campaign. Mr. Romney accepted Mr. Trump’s endorsement but decided not to mention Mr. Trump in his campaign videos.
“Mitt has been on both sides of the aisle for the last 20 years on every issue of public policy in this country. He’s committed to being a legislator and trying to do a good job for the people of Utah. I think he should. I think it’s counterproductive for him to attack his colleagues,” Vance told reporters.
Utah senator tells reporters it’s “humiliating” to have Republican senators and representatives attend President Trump’s trial in New York over hush money concealment from adult film star Stormy Daniels Afterwards, Mr. Vance responded to Mr. Romney with applause.
“I think it’s a little humiliating to appear in front of a court, especially a court that’s talking about allegations of payments to porn stars,” Romney told reporters Wednesday.
Vance was one of the few Republican senators to attend Trump’s trial in New York. He was joined by Sens. Rick Scott (Florida) and Tommy Tuberville (Alabama).
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) appeared in court Tuesday and denounced the trial as a “sham.”
At least nine Republicans will appear in court Thursday, putting House Republicans at risk of effectively losing control of the chamber over attendance issues.
Romney told reporters he felt “embarrassed” to show his loyalty.
“We expect a level of dignity and decency from people who are running for the highest station in the land, prostrate themselves in public, and obviously trying to ingratiate themselves with our candidate. It’s a little embarrassing.” Romney said.
Vance said in an interview on Fox News on Tuesday that he was there “to support a friend,” and that Trump’s legal ordeal was “the last five or six weeks of my life where I know I’m innocent.” is a very depressing method.”
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