Trump lashes back at Sen. Bob Corker: 'Tennessee not happy!'

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White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders slammed Tennessee Senator Bob Corker for questioning Trump’s competence following his response to the Charlottesville violence. (Aug. 24)
AP

President Trump took to Twitter on Friday morning to lash back at Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., over the senator’s comments last week that the president doesn’t understand the character of the nation and has not shown the competence to lead.

“Strange statement by Bob Corker considering that he is constantly asking me whether or not he should run again in ’18. Tennessee not happy!” the president tweeted.

Strange statement by Bob Corker considering that he is constantly asking me whether or not he should run again in ’18. Tennessee not happy!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2017

A spokesperson for Corker did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Corker has not said whether he will run for a third Senate term in 2018. Meanwhile, some on the populist, Tea Party wing of the party, including former state representative Joe Carr, are considering a primary challenge to Corker. 

Trump’s tweet came as Corker’s comments have gotten increasing airtime following the violent white nationalist protests in Charlottesville, Va., on the weekend of Aug. 12 and Trump’s campaign-style rally in Phoenix earlier this week. 

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked about Corker’s comments during Thursday’s White House briefing.

“That’s a ridiculous and outrageous claim and doesn’t dignify a response from this podium,” she said.

Corker has walked a fine line with Trump, both praising and criticizing the president since the New York real estate developer entered the political scene.

During last year’s election, Corker provided foreign policy advice to Trump, which has continued since Trump’s inauguration.

After news broke last fall about Trump’s vulgar comments about women, Corker said the billionaire’s remarks “very inappropriate and offensive” while calling for for an apology.

Prior to Trump’s selection of Mike Pence, the Tennessee senator was among the shortlist of potential vice presidential candidates. Corker later was considered a potential pick for secretary of State before the job was ultimately given to Rex Tillerson.

In May, Corker said the White House was “in a downward spiral” and needed to get under control after news broke that Trump revealed classified information to high-ranking Russian officials. 

Later that month, Corker hailed Trump’s first international trip as president, with the former Chattanooga mayor saying he could not be more pleased.

When Trump criticized Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell earlier this month, both Corker and Tennessee colleague Lamar Alexander rushed to the Kentucky Republican’s defense. 

Trump and Corker’s relationship reportedly became more strained over a bipartisan bill to sanction Russia. 

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