Sen. Marco Rubio expressed gratitude for retired Adm. William McRaven’s service on Monday after President Donald Trump derided the ex-military commander as a “Hillary Clinton fan" and said his forces could have killed Osama bin Laden sooner.
"I don’t know if Adm. William McRaven shares my political views or not,” Rubio wrote on Twitter. “But I do know that few Americans have sacrificed or risked more than he has to protect America & the freedoms we enjoy. His military career exemplified honor & excellence. I am grateful for his service."
Rubio’s comments came after McRaven defended himself on CNN on Sunday.
"I did not back Hillary Clinton or anyone else," said McRaven, who has been a fierce critic of Trump. "I am a fan of President Obama and President George W. Bush, both of whom I worked for. I admire all presidents, regardless of their political party, who uphold the dignity of the office and who use that office to bring the nation together in challenging times."
McRaven, who has been a fierce critic of Trump, said that he stands by “my comment that the president's attack on the media is the greatest threat to our democracy in my lifetime. When you undermine the people's right to a free press and freedom of speech and expression, then you threaten the Constitution and all for which it stands."
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