
President-elect Donald Trump was up bright and early on Saturday and immediately hopped on Twitter to attack Georgia Congressman John Lewis (D) after the civil rights hero questioned the legitimacy of his presidency in light of reports of Russian involvement in the election.
In a Friday interview on Meet the Press, Lewis claimed that allegations about Russia’s efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election on Trump’s behalf have stained his presidency and it can't be erased.
“I don’t see the president-elect as a legitimate president,” said Lewis, who was instrumental in organizing the Selma marches in 1965 that led to his arrest and a beating by police. “I think the Russians participated in helping this man get elected, and they helped destroy the candidacy of Hillary Clinton.”
Saturday morning Trump returned fire in a two-part tweet, writing: "Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (not to......mention crime infested) rather than falsely complaining about the election results. All talk, talk, talk - no action or results. Sad!"
Going after one of the heroes of the civil rights movement who has gone on to have a distinguished career in the House of Representatives was too much for many on Twitter to take -- particularly coming on Martin Luther King weekend.
Trump's tweets and responses to the president-elect below:
Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (not to......— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump)1484398226.0
mention crime infested) rather than falsely complaining about the election results. All talk, talk, talk - no action or results. Sad!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump)1484399232.0
@bbogaard @AloisiusBarnes @justinhendrix @realDonaldTrump Nope. Rep. Lewis is good. Read this to see what he means. https://t.co/NPZlFwhJrC— Jonathan Grant (@Jonathan Grant)1484399555.0
People like Donald Trump are the reason civil rights heroes like John Lewis exist.— LOLGOP (@LOLGOP)1484404821.0
Donald Trump says John Lewis is all talk. Here's a picture of John Lewis being beaten by a state trooper on "Bloo… https://t.co/tQV4XhAYc1— Matt Fuller (@Matt Fuller)1484405350.0
Trump insulting American hero John Lewis is beyond disrespectful. It's evil. Inhumane. And indefensible. #AMJoy— Laurie Crosswell (@Laurie Crosswell)1484407024.0
John Lewis faced down water cannons. Trump had a golden shower.— jeremy scahill (@jeremy scahill)1484406967.0