September 28th 2023.
GOP presidential candidates were quick to criticize former President Donald Trump on Thursday over his suggestion that the nation's top-ranking military officer, Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley, should be killed. Trump had made the remark on Truth Social last Friday in response to reports that Milley had contacted Chinese officials to inform them of the US president's thinking.
In response, Milley commented to CBS Wednesday night that he had "adequate safety precautions" and that he wished the comments had not been made. The remark served as a reminder to when Trump had seemingly threatened then-Vice President Mike Pence's life during the Capitol riots in 2021.
The candidates' criticism of Trump echoed this morning on CNN when former Vice President Mike Pence rebuked the former president. "There is no call for that kind of language directed toward someone who's worn the uniform of the United States and served with such distinction," Pence said.
The candidates' criticism continued this morning on MSNBC, when former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called Trump an "absolute child" for the "reprehensible" remarks. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson also spoke out, telling POLITICO in a statement that Trump's suggestion was "inexcusable and dangerous," and an insult to those who serve in the military.
POLITICO reached out to each of the candidates' campaigns for comment, but only Hutchinson's team sent a response. The lack of response from others is indicative of how hesitant many of his opponents are to speak out against him on a regular basis. Trump's campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung responded to the criticism, saying that those who speak out are "just thirsty for attention."
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