Rep. Debbie Dingell is "preparinbng for the first holiday season without the man I love."
During a rally in Battle Creek Wednesday night, while he was being impeached in Washington, President Donald Trump took a shot at Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell, who expressed her dismay on Twitter.
Trump told the crowd he gave Rep. John Dingell “A+ treatment” after he died in February by ordering flags lowered to half-staff. He said wife Debbie Dingell thanked him.
“She calls me up, ‘That’s the nicest thing that ever hapened. Thank you so much. John would be so thrilled. He’s looking down. He’d be so thrilled,’” Trump quoted the congresswoman as saying.
Then he remarked: “Maybe he’s looking up I don’t know," he said, suggesting John Dingell might be in hell. Then Trump added: "But let’s assume he’s looking down."
Mr. President, let’s set politics aside. My husband earned all his accolades after a lifetime of service. I’m preparing for the first holiday season without the man I love. You brought me down in a way you can never imagine and your hurtful words just made my healing much harder.
— Rep. Debbie Dingell (@RepDebDingell) December 19, 2019
Rep. Dingell's colleagues in both parties fire back at the president on her behalf.
They include Rep. Fred Upton, a Republican from West Michigan, Rep. Paul Mitchell, a Macomb County Republican, and Rep. Justin Amash, an Independent who left the Republican Party because of Trump.
I’ve always looked up to John Dingell - my good friend and a great Michigan legend. There was no need to 'dis' him in a crass political way. Most unfortunate and an apology is due.
— Fred Upton (@RepFredUpton) December 19, 2019
John Dingell was a well-respected man & I consider Debbie a close colleague and friend. To use his name in such a dishonorable manner at last night’s rally is unacceptable from anyone, let alone the President of the United States. An apology is due, Mr. President @realDonaldTrump
— Rep. Paul Mitchell (@RepPaulMitchell) December 19, 2019
Debbie, we are here for you. So many people loved and respected John. Praying for you and your family.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) December 19, 2019
Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a moderate Democrat representing Oakland County's northern suburbs, had harsher words for the president.
Standing with my friend @RepDebDingell tonight.
— Rep. Elissa Slotkin (@RepSlotkin) December 19, 2019
Mr. President, shame on you. Going after Rep. John Dingell, a WWII vet and devoted public servant who spent his life fighting for Michiganders, demeans you and your office. https://t.co/0D5Mv5qPfE
And late Thursday morning, the governor spoke up:
.@RepDebDingell is an extraordinary public servant, one of the very best Michigan has to offer. I’m grateful she represents our state in Congress, and even more grateful to call her a friend. @realDonaldTrump owes her an apology.
— Gretchen Whitmer (@gretchenwhitmer) December 19, 2019
