Dem lawmaker: ‘We are seeing the dumbing down of the presidency’

Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) on Monday tore into President Trump for his comments on race, saying she doesn’t believe he respects the office of the presidency.

“What we are seeing is the dumbing down of the presidency of the United States. He is the least prepared, the least educated, the least knowledgeable and the least honest,” Fudge said on “CNN Tonight.”

Fudge and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus spoke Monday night about Trump’s time in office thus far, and his views on race. 

The president has faced scrutiny for past comments on race, including calling Mexicans “rapists” and “criminals” when launching his presidential campaign. He also came under fire for saying there was blame on “both sides” after a white supremacist rally last August turned violent and led to one woman’s death

Most recently, Trump has come under bipartisan criticism for reportedly questioning earlier this month why the U.S. accepted so many immigrants from “shithole countries” like Haiti and African nations.

Trump has said he is the “least racist” person.

A number of Democratic lawmakers have said they will boycott the State of the Union Tuesday, with some citing Trump’s rhetoric as the reason.

Fudge said Monday she plans to be at the speech, saying she values patriotism over party. 

“It wasn’t a tough decision for me. I don’t respect the president, but I respect the office,” Fudge said. 

Asked if she thinks Trump respects the office, Fudge said “I don’t think he respects anything. I really don’t.”