Arizona Republican Senator Jeff Flake is taking some shots at President Trump as he confirms that he will not run for re-election next year. Speaking on the floor of the Senate today, Flake said reckless, outrageous and undignified behavior has become excused as "telling it like it is." He argued that the nation should not accept that "the conduct of some" in the executive branch is normal.
Flake said he deeply regrets the current tone of American politics. He condemned what he called a flagrant assault on truth and decency.
Flake did not mention Trump by name. He and the President have never been fans of one another. Arizona's junior senator faced tough prospects for re-election next year.
The first-term senator told the "Arizona Republic" that he feels out-of-step with the Trump-dominated Republican Party.
Flake is 54 and served in the U.S. House before being elected to the Senate in 2012. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called Flake a very fine man and a team player with high principles. Arizona Republican John McCain said Flake is a man of integrity, honor and dignity.