Flake condemns Trump Jr. Instagram post mocking Kavanaugh accuser

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) criticized Donald Trump Jr. for a social media post that mocked Christine Blasey Ford’s sexual assault allegation against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

“This is sickening. No one should make light of this situation,” Flake tweeted Wednesday, along with a screenshot of Trump Jr.’s post.

This is sickening. No one should make light of this situation. pic.twitter.com/G7rlT3IKTQ

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) September 19, 2018

The president’s oldest son drew backlash for a Sunday Instagram post in which he wrote “Oh boy… the Dems and their usual nonsense games really have him on the ropes now.

“[Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)] had the letter in July and saved it for the eve of his vote… honorable as always. I believe this is a copy for full transparency,” Trump Jr. added, posting a picture of a hand-written letter that reads, “Hi Cindy, will you be my girlfriend.”

Trump Jr.’s post came prior to The Washington Post publishing Ford’s identity and detailed account, but after Feinstein said she had referred a letter to the FBI for review without disclosing further details.

{mosads}While no other current lawmakers had weighed in as of Wednesday, former Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) called Trump Jr. an “uncaring, narrow-minded idiot,” and several political columnists criticized the post for being insensitive.

A representative for Trump Jr. did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill.

Ford’s allegations in the Washington Post that Kavanaugh pinned her down and attempted to remove her clothes during a high school party in the 1980s. She also said he put his hand over her mouth when she tried to scream for help.

Kavanaugh has denied the allegations, and the White House has defended its nominee.

Flake, a vocal critic of President Trump’s rhetoric and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said after Ford’s allegations were made public that a vote on Kavanaugh’s confirmation should be delayed.

Kavanaugh is expected to testify on Monday about the allegations, but Ford has yet to commit to doing the same.

Her attorney said that Ford wants the FBI to conduct an investigation into the claims before she sits for a hearing. The FBI has not opened a criminal investigation into the accusations since they don’t constitute a federal crime, and the White House has not directed the bureau to re-open a background check into Kavanaugh.

Lawmakers have said they don’t intend to change the schedule to wait for any such investigation.

“When Dr. Ford came forward, I said that her voice should be heard and asked the Judiciary Committee to delay its vote on Judge Kavanaugh,” Flake tweeted on Tuesday. “It did so. I now implore Dr. Ford to accept the invitation for Monday, in a public or private setting. The committee should hear her voice.”

When Dr. Ford came forward, I said that her voice should be heard and asked the Judiciary Committee to delay its vote on Judge Kavanaugh. It did so. I now implore Dr. Ford to accept the invitation for Monday, in a public or private setting. The committee should hear her voice.

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) September 19, 2018