In a heated exchange on Twitter, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “grow a pair” after the former senator defended President Trump’s actions during a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The exchange occurred after Friday’s public spat between Zelensky, Trump, and Vice President Mike Pence. Rubio had tweeted his support for Trump, thanking him for “standing up for America in a way that few presidents have.”
Swalwell, who has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration, wasted no time in responding to Rubio’s tweet, writing, “Grow a pair, Senator Rubio. Defend your oath to the Constitution and stop being a Trump apologist.” He also shared a clip of Rubio’s statement from the meeting, in which he praised Trump for his handling of the situation.
The tension between the two politicians highlights the ongoing debate over Trump’s controversial phone call with Zelensky, in which the president urged his Ukrainian counterpart to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden, and his son.
Despite the backlash and ongoing impeachment inquiry, Trump continues to deny any wrongdoing and has received support from his Republican counterparts, including Rubio. However, Swalwell’s scathing remarks suggest that there are still some within the political arena who are not afraid to speak their mind and hold the president accountable.
This is not the first time Swalwell has openly criticized Trump and his administration. In fact, the representative has been a vocal advocate for impeachment and has often clashed with his Republican colleagues over the president’s divisive policies and actions.
But what exactly prompted Swalwell’s sharp response to Rubio? Some argue that it may be due to the fact that Rubio, along with other Republican senators, is running for reelection in 2022 and is trying to maintain a favorable relationship with the Trump administration. Others believe that Swalwell’s comments are a reflection of the growing frustration and outrage over Trump’s behavior and his apparent disregard for the rule of law.
Regardless of the reason, Swalwell’s words serve as a reminder that politicians have a duty to uphold the Constitution and put the interests of the country above their own personal gain. As elected officials, they are accountable to the American people and should not shy away from standing up for what is right.
While the political landscape may be divided and tensions may run high, it is important for leaders to remember that their words and actions have consequences. Instead of engaging in petty Twitter squabbles, it is time for our elected officials to come together and work towards finding solutions for the issues facing our nation.
In light of the ongoing impeachment inquiry and the upcoming 2020 election, it is more crucial than ever for politicians to put aside their differences and focus on serving the American people. The American public deserves leaders who are willing to put their country before their own personal agendas and who are not afraid to hold those in power accountable.
In the words of Rep. Swalwell, “it’s time to grow a pair” and stand up for what is right, no matter the political ramifications. Only then can we truly move towards a better and more unified future for our nation.
