Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel was in the awkward position of rebuking her own uncle on Twitter Wednesday after his very pointed criticism of President Trump. Senator-elect Mitt Romney published a Washington Post op-ed Tuesday night explaining how 45's words and actions "have caused dismay around the world."
"The Trump presidency made a deep descent in December," Romney wrote. "The departures of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly, the appointment of senior persons of lesser experience, the abandonment of allies who fight beside us, and the president’s thoughtless claim that America has long been a 'sucker' in world affairs all defined his presidency down."
Romney went on to suggest Trump has failed to appeal to Americans' "better angels." He also pledged to call out the president whenever he posts a tweet that can be interpreted as "racist, divisive, sexist, anti-immigrant, dishonest or destructive."
President Trump and his team accused Romney of lashing out now because he is bitter that his 2012 presidential bid failed where Trump's 2016 campaign succeeded. He urged Romney to be a team player.
Here we go with Mitt Romney, but so fast! Question will be, is he a Flake? I hope not. Would much prefer that Mitt focus on Border Security and so many other things where he can be helpful. I won big, and he didn’t. He should be happy for all Republicans. Be a TEAM player & WIN!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2019
Shortly thereafter we got the following message from his niece.
POTUS is attacked and obstructed by the MSM media and Democrats 24/7. For an incoming Republican freshman senator to attack @realdonaldtrump as their first act feeds into what the Democrats and media want and is disappointing and unproductive. https://t.co/ArhI7Bi7bo
— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) January 2, 2019
Again, awkward. But, defending the president and his policies is kind of her job.