Republicans are turning on former President Donald Trump over an appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention one Fox News pundit dubbed an "absolute dumpster fire."
Conservatives are backing away from Trump over his hostile response to a hard-hitting question from ABC correspondent Rachel Scott, his claim that he was the best president for Black Americans since Abraham Lincoln, and questioning of Vice President Kamala Harris' race.
"It's unacceptable and abhorrent to attack Vice President Harris or anyone’s racial identity," wrote former Gov. Larry Hogan (R-MD). "The American people deserve better."
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Staunch ally Rep. James Comer (R-KY) made the rare decision to criticize Trump's comments on the conservative network Newsmax Thursday morning.
"I don't that I would have made that argument at that particular venue," Comer said, suggesting Trump had fallen into a "trap" set by Democrats.
Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-SD) reportedly chastised Trump for straying from his political message to attack Harris for her identity.
“The campaign is, needs to be, must be about the issues, and there’s plenty to talk about," Thune said. "I just think that’s where the focus needs to be."
Sen Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) told Axios Trump's appearance stank of mismanagement, saying, "Maybe they don't know how to handle the campaign, and so you default to issues that just should simply not be an issue."
Republican strategist and CNN analyst Shermichael Singleton noted Black undecided voters have since told him the appearance made it less likely they'll vote Republican in November.
"You need to be careful with this crap," Singleton said. "I can't even say what I really want to say about this...it's words I shouldn't use on live television."
Republican strategist Scott Jennings resorted to the same four-letter word when he described Trump's performance.
“He did crap the bed," said Jennings. "The only question is whether he’s gonna roll around in it or get up and change the sheets.”
