Several prominent political figures came forward to defend Rep. Debbie Dingell after President Trump claimed her husband may be in hell, including the family of late Sen. John McCain.
While the Michigan Democrat was casting her vote to impeach the president on Wednesday, Trump was at a campaign rally in Battle Creek, Michigan, joking that her late husband John was “looking up” at her from hell.
Dingell responded on Twitter, writing, “Mr. President, let’s set politics aside. My husband earned all his accolades after a lifetime of service. I’m preparing for the first holiday season without the man I love. You brought me down in a way you can never imagine and your hurtful words just made my healing much harder.”
Mr. President, let’s set politics aside. My husband earned all his accolades after a lifetime of service. I’m preparing for the first holiday season without the man I love. You brought me down in a way you can never imagine and your hurtful words just made my healing much harder.
— Rep. Debbie Dingell (@RepDebDingell) December 19, 2019
Many offered kind words to Dingell and harsh words to Trump in the wake of his remarks. Meghan and Cindy McCain both responded to Trump’s comments, acknowledging the bitter relationship between Trump and John McCain.
“The comments from Trump about Rep Dingell is utterly sick and cruel. I am sending strength to the Dingell family, especially his wife Debbie. Take heed in knowing he only attacks people for whom he is threatened by their great legacies. History will forever judge him very harshly,” Meghan McCain wrote.
Cindy McCain added, “I’m terribly sorry. Please know I am thinking about you.”
The comments from Trump about Rep Dingell is utterly sick and cruel. I am sending strength to the Dingell family, especially his wife Debbie. Take heed in knowing he only attacks people for whom he is threatened by their great legacies. History will forever judge him very harshly
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) December 19, 2019
This is horrific. Just horrific. It’s hard for me to eloquently say how disgusted I am by this. I am just so deeply sorry the Dingell family is being subjected to this bile. Is this what the Trump family version of #BeBest is? Bullying widows at a public rallies? SICK. https://t.co/69RcflVd5A
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) December 19, 2019
I’m terribly sorry. Please know I am thinking about you. https://t.co/fjONsh7izR
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) December 19, 2019
Several others offered similar sentiments to Dingell, with Rep. Justin Amash, a former Republican, saying, “Debbie, we are here for you. So many people loved and respected John.”
Debbie, we are here for you. So many people loved and respected John. Praying for you and your family.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) December 19, 2019
.@Potus is nothing short of despicable in criticizing Congresswoman Dingell. She will get the last laugh and POTUS will lose Michigan. We’ve got your back @RepDebDingell!
— Jackie Speier (@RepSpeier) December 19, 2019
I’ve always looked up to John Dingell – my good friend and a great Michigan legend. There was no need to ‘dis’ him in a crass political way. Most unfortunate and an apology is due.
— Fred Upton (@RepFredUpton) December 19, 2019
Standing with my friend @RepDebDingell tonight.
Mr. President, shame on you. Going after Rep. John Dingell, a WWII vet and devoted public servant who spent his life fighting for Michiganders, demeans you and your office. https://t.co/0D5Mv5qPfE
— Rep. Elissa Slotkin (@RepSlotkin) December 19, 2019
John Dingell was a great American who made a profound impact on our nation.
Debbie, the love & devotion you shared is an example to us all. While this President seeks to divide and hurt, let us lift up that love & remember the wonderful legacy of such a good & decent man.
— Steny Hoyer (@LeaderHoyer) December 19, 2019
Support for Dingell greatly outpaced those endorsing Trump’s remarks, but some pointed out that John Dingell had told Trump to “go to hell” on Twitter during his 2016 campaign.
“On behalf of so many of my fellow veterans: Please take two running jumps and go to hell, Mr. Trump,” Dingell wrote.
Driving home last night from Battle Creek, I kept thinking that at some point, the late @JohnDingell, the dean of Twitter, told @realDonaldTrump to “go to hell.”
It took a little digging through three years of Dingell tweets excoriating Trump, but I found it. https://t.co/Lrn6S3HAr6
— Chad Livengood (@ChadLivengood) December 19, 2019
John Dingell was the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history. When he died at age 92, Trump ordered the flags to stand at half-staff in his honor.
