Trump attacks former DHS secretary over criticism of federal crackdown

President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump says he would feel comfortable sending his son and grandchildren to school in person. Cafeteria worker on White House grounds tests positive for COVID-19: Reports Republicans will begin revealing the coronavirus package Thursday MORE On Thursday, he lashed out at former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge for criticizing his decision to send federal agents to Chicago and other cities, calling him “a Republican in name only.”

“I recently saw failed RINO Tom Ridge, a former head of Homeland Security, trying to justify his sudden love for Portland’s radical left-wing mayor, who was booed and yelled at by agitators and anarchists last night,” Trump tweeted Thursday.

“I love seeing pathetic Never Trumpers squirm!” Trump continued.

Ridge has harshly criticized Trump’s recent decisions to send federal officials to the cities to quell the protests and crack down on violent crime. Trump’s tweet came after Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) had tear gas after meeting with protesters, apparently by federal agents who invaded city streets allegedly to protect a courthouse there.

After Trump announced Wednesday that he would immediately “raise” federal officials to Chicago, Ridge described it as a “reality television approach” to a serious problem and questioned whether the Trump administration even had a plan to address violence in Chicago.

“I’m not even sure they have a plan. Have you spoken to the mayor? Have you spoken to the chief of police? Have you spoken to the United States Attorney? Ridge said during an appearance on CNN on Wednesday.

“They will be gone in a couple of weeks and the illegality will re-emerge, and they have not yet addressed the social and economic conditions that underlie the illegality,” he continued. “So it is a very disappointing response to a serious problem, but it is typical of someone who thinks that reality television is real.”

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) had opposed the decision to send federal agents to the city.

Ridge, a former Pennsylvania governor, also said earlier this week in a radio interview that he disapproved of Trump’s “unilateral” approach to fighting illegality on American streets.

“It would be a cold day in hell before I consented to an unintended unilateral intervention in one of my cities,” he said in “The Michael SmerconishMichael Smerconish Former Secretary of Homeland Security Says DHS Does Not Pretend to Be President’s “Personal Militia” Klobuchar to Be Next Guest on Biden Podcast Cash Assistance for Americans Gains Strength as Coronavirus Shakes the Economy PLUS Program.”

Ridge served as the first secretary of the Department of Homeland Security under President George W. Bush after the agency stood up after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Ridge has not been a supporter of Trump and has previously voiced criticism of the president, including saying he believed last year that Trump’s actions toward Ukraine that triggered his impeachment were an abuse of power.

Trump often publicly denounces his critics, including Republican lawmakers, former officials, and even members of his own administration. Early Thursday, the president attacked the president of the Republican House Conference Liz CheneyElizabeth (Liz) Lynn CheneyHouse votes to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Hill The Morning’s Morning Report – Submitted by Facebook – Dems to GOP: Where’s your COVID-19 bill? Bolton defends Cheney amid clash with House conservatives MORE (Wyo.) After the Republicans accused her of trying to undermine the President’s agenda.