Several Republicans in Congress called out President Trump on Thursday for a series of tweets they described as “beneath the dignity of your office.”
At least seven Republican Senators — including Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and Maine Sen. Susan Collins — spoke out after Trump targeted Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski on Twitter. Trump called her “crazy” and criticized her appearance, saying he saw her “bleeding badly from a face-lift.” The tweet followed a trend of Trump singling out female reporters, often for their appearance.
“This is not okay,” Republican Kansas Rep. Lynn Jenkins said. “As a female in politics I am often criticized for my looks. We should be working to empower women.”
Other Republican leaders weighed in on social media throughout the day, as did Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan: “Obviously, I don’t see that as an appropriate comment.”
“I think what we’re trying to do around here is improve the tone and civility of the debate, and this obviously doesn’t help do that,” Ryan said at a press conference, when asked about Trump’s tweet.
Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee also called on more Republicans to condemn Trump’s remarks.
“I want my GOP colleagues to explain to my 3 granddaughters why they think these viciously sexist comments are acceptable from our President,” Lee said on Twitter. “This isn’t just about Trump. We already knew he has no respect for women. It’s also about the GOP – which continues to defend & support him. President Trump acts like his words don’t have consequences. Why? Because others in his party come to his defense every single time.”
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Your Vote Is Safe
- The Best Inventions of 2024
- How the Electoral College Actually Works
- Robert Zemeckis Just Wants to Move You
- Column: Fear and Hoping in Ohio
- How to Break 8 Toxic Communication Habits
- Why Vinegar Is So Good for You
- Meet TIME's Newest Class of Next Generation Leaders
Write to Katie Reilly at Katie.Reilly@time.com