U.S. Congress

Jeff Flake

The war of words between Arizona’s junior Senator and the Republican presidential nominee is escalating. Donald Trump is firing back at Jeff Flake over his latest refusal to support his candidacy.

In a series of recent interviews, Flake has continued his criticism of Trump’s immigration plans, remarking that last week’s Phoenix speech was quote “confusing” and that he
could still not support his candidacy.

Trump responded with tweets calling Flake a “weak and ineffective Senator.”

Flake still isn’t ruling out endorsing him, but said he believes the window of opportunity is closing.

“I don’t know," Flake said. "I mean, you would think he would have pivoted by now. I think a lot of us, we still hope— hope springs eternal— that between now and November, he’ll change some of his positions, not just his tone and tenor, but some of these positions need to change.”

Flake contends Trump’s rhetoric has put Arizona in play for Democrats, but says he will not be voting for Hillary Clinton.  

The two previously clashed during the nominee's visit to Capitol Hill in July in which Trump threatened to help defeat Flake, even though he isn’t on the ballot for another two years.