Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said Republican lawmakers should air any disputes with President Donald Trump in private – not public.
His comments came during an interview with NPR’s David Greene.
And they follow an ongoing war of words between Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and Trump and Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz. and the president.
"I think that there are always going to be differences of opinion and disagreements, and that’s true in any family," Thune said. "But I just think it’s better if you can keep those in-the-family feuds and fights within the family.”
Asked about Corker and Flake’s disagreements with Trump, he added: "I just think it would have been better if either side in some of these disputes…if they would just have those conversations in private rather than having them in public.
"Sen. Corker had strongly held views, as did Sen. Flake – now both of which are now leaving the Senate. But those of us who are still here, I think have a responsibility to try to get results”
In an interview on PBS, Thune said Trump generates "strong feelings."
"I think, in a lot of ways, what you’re seeing here reflects the politics in the country," he said. "And the country is very divided. And certainly, the president is a figure who generates a lot of discussion.
"And, frankly, many of us have encouraged, and think it would be better if he would spend less time on Twitter.”
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