Many conservative Republicans simply cannot support a candidate like Trump

Former Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) said in an interview on Sunday that many conservative Republicans simply “can’t support a candidate like” former President Trump.

“I think Republicans believe in the rule of law more than anything,” Flake told ABC’s Martha Raddatz on “This Week.” “And it’s hard to support a candidate who, after losing an election, tries to use the powers of the presidency to overturn that election.”

“That is anything but respect for the rule of law,” Flake added. “So I know a lot of conservative Republicans feel the same way I do, that you just can’t support a candidate like that.”

Flake, who is also the former US ambassador to Turkey, announced on Sunday that he is supporting Vice President Harris in her 2024 presidential bid.

“Having spent the last three years abroad as U.S. Ambassador, I have seen firsthand that we have very real enemies abroad,” Flake said in a statement on the social platform X. “We also have vital and indispensable allies.”

“I want to support a presidential candidate who understands and appreciates the difference,” he said.

Flake also spoke about the vice president’s foreign policy capabilities, saying he believes Harris is “ready” for the presidency and that she “understands we have real enemies abroad.”

“But in particular, we also have indispensable allies, and we must support them and work with them if we are to certainly defeat Russia and the growing threat of China,” he added. “It was really grim to see the debate recently and – and to hear that the former president couldn’t even cheer for Ukraine.”

The Hill has contacted the Trump campaign for comment.

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