This past weekend many GOP presidential candidates blasted former President Trump over his positive comments about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday, following the decision by the WHO executive board to give the country a seat.
Former Unites States ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley and Florida Governor DeSantis, who have both launched their presidential campaign, criticized the former President for his Truth Social Post on Friday in which he congratulated the North Korean dictator.
Haley in her comments stated that North Korea joining WHO was a “total farce.” She then criticized Trump by stating that “You don’t congratulate a thug” especially not a thug that has frequently threatened the U.S.
Finally, DeSantis, who only recently joined the presidential race, claimed that he was “surprised” to see Trump praise Kim. He proceeded to say that the North Korean leader is a “murderous dictator.”
Former VP Mike Pence, who has not yet announced his intentions for the 2024 presidential race, also told Fox News during an appearance in Iowa that North Korea’s leader, much like Russia’s leader who launched an attack on his neighboring country, should not receive praise from anyone. He added that it was important to make it clear that the U.S. stood with freedom and those who stand for it.
Pence’s criticisms though did not end with Trump. He proceeded to also attack the World Health Organization for having let “the world down” during the pandemic by covering up everything that was happening in China. Pence is widely expected to join the presidential race next week.
On Saturday, all three attended the annual Roast and Ride fundraiser in Des Moines for Senator Joni Ernst (Republican – Iowa).
