But many critics are questioning the sincerity of Trump’s post, given his past attacks on Romney ― the only Senate Republican to vote to convict the president in his impeachment trial ― and the seemingly sarcastic way Trump responded when he was initially told Romney was self-isolating as a precaution.
“This is really great news!” Trump wrote Wednesday. “I am so happy I can barely speak. He may have been a terrible presidential candidate and an even worse U.S. Senator, but he is a RINO, and I like him a lot!”
This is really great news! I am so happy I can barely speak. He may have been a terrible presidential candidate and an even worse U.S. Senator, but he is a RINO, and I like him a lot! https://t.co/42zpWW9vzy
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 25, 2020
In a statement released Sunday, Romney announced he was self-isolating after having “extended periods” of contact with Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who earlier in the day became the first senator known to test positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
Following the negative test result, Romney revealed Tuesday he would “remain in quarantine as the test does not rule out the onset of symptoms during the 14-day period.”
Thankfully I’ve tested negative for COVID-19. Nevertheless, guidance from my physician, consistent with the CDC guidelines, requires me to remain in quarantine as the test does not rule out the onset of symptoms during the 14-day period.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) March 24, 2020
The tone of Trump’s tweet did not go unnoticed by his detractors:
what is wrong with you???
— Michael Josem (@MichaelJosem) March 25, 2020
I tried to give Trump the benefit of the doubt based on an earlier video that he was not mocking Romney’s potential exposure to a pandemic.
Clearly, I was wrong.
Unhinged and classless. https://t.co/8Sumoxr7Fj
— Brad Polumbo (@brad_polumbo) March 25, 2020
This tweet is a real test about how you see the man. If you think it isn’t sarcastic, bless your heart. If you understand that it’s sarcastic but you think it’s super clever the way it’s done, you’re easily impressed and might be brainwashed. https://t.co/Gg3QwAewuG
— Jonah Goldberg (@JonahDispatch) March 25, 2020
What is wrong with you? Have you no decency?
— David Heyman (@dcborn61) March 25, 2020
Mitt Romney’s wife has MS, and would be at high risk if she were to contract COVID-19. The president’s sarcasm and lack of empathy is disgusting. https://t.co/FH593r0iHj
— James O’Leary (@jamesoleary87) March 25, 2020
Wow. Amid the worst public-health crisis in a century, the president is spending his day settling scores with political enemies on Twitter. https://t.co/quYgLaDWWu
— Dan Rosenheck (@DanRosenheck) March 25, 2020
If you support Trump, then you are on the wrong side of history.
— Jeffrey Guterman (@JeffreyGuterman) March 25, 2020
A HuffPost Guide To Coronavirus
