Crenshaw Critiques Trump’s Running Mate Choice Amid Controversy
- Dan Crenshaw publicly condemned J.D. Vance for equating Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler.
- During an interview, Crenshaw expressed his disbelief, stating, 'I don’t understand it because I think he meant it.'
- This statement reflects the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party on how to discuss controversial figures.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) expressed skepticism regarding former President Donald Trump’s selection of J.D. Vance as a running mate during a recent interview. Crenshaw referenced a controversial 2016 text from Vance, in which he oscillated between viewing Trump as a "cynical a**hole" and likening him to "America’s Hitler." Although Vance has since distanced himself from those remarks, Crenshaw highlighted the potential dangers of such rhetoric, suggesting it could incite violence. During the interview on the Axe Files with David Axelrod, Crenshaw stated, “I think it’s logical to say that rhetoric can lead to making crazy people even crazier.” He further criticized the inflammatory language used by some public figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and comedian Kathy Griffin, suggesting that it contributes to political violence. Crenshaw characterized a recent assassination attempt as a direct result of radical leftist rhetoric. Concerns about Vance’s candidacy have also emerged from within Republican ranks, with some party members questioning the electoral viability of his selection. One House Republican described Vance as “the worst choice of all the options,” indicating disbelief at the decision. Despite these criticisms, Trump and his supporters have continued to back Vance, asserting that he has gained significant traction among voters. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of Vance’s selection and the surrounding discourse remain a focal point of discussion within the Republican Party.