President Trump slammed Sen. Richard Blumenthal Monday on Twitter for lying about serving in Vietnam, calling him a “phony Vietnam con artist.”
The comment came after Blumenthal expressed his concern that the president is trying to “politicize” the Justice Department.
"Interesting to watch Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut talking about hoax Russian collusion when he was a phony Vietnam con artist!" Trump tweeted.
"Never in U.S. history has anyone lied or defrauded voters like Senator Richard Blumenthal," he added. "He told stories about his Vietnam battles and conquests, how brave he was, and it was all a lie."
"He cried like a baby and begged for forgiveness like a child," Trump continued. "Now he judges collusion?"
This is not the first time Trump has gone after Blumenthal for falsely claiming he served in Vietnam, when in reality he received five military deferments. He brought up Blumenthal’s Vietnam “record” in February, after the senator told reporters then-Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch called the president’s attacks on federal judges “demoralizing.” He also called for an investigation into the Connecticut senator in May after he criticized Trump’s firing of then-FBI Director James Comey.
Blumenthal said Monday on CNN’s “New Day” that he was “concerned” the president is “weaponizing…laws” after the crackdown of leaks was announced.
"I'm very concerned that the Department of Justice is weaponizing these laws for its personal and political ends, and specifically for the White House's purposes," he said.
"That's a chilling effect on the press and on whistleblowers, and on information that doesn't involve classified data or disclosures, but in fact may be just embarrassing or unwelcome," he added.
Update: Blumenthal fired back, telling Trump his "bullying" won't protect him from the Russia probe.
"Mr. President: Your bullying hasn't worked before and it won't work now. No one is above the law," Blumenthal tweeted. "This issue isn't about me — it's about the Special Counsel's independence and integrity."