Arizona Gov. Won't Attend Trump Rally, But Will Greet Him on Arrival

Arizona GOP Gov. Doug Ducey told The Arizona Republic he won’t attend President Donald Trump’s rally in Phoenix on Tuesday.

"Gov. Ducey's focus has been working with law enforcement toward a safe event in downtown Phoenix for all those involved and in the area. That will continue to be his priority during the event and afterwards," spokesman Daniel Scarpinato said in a statement.

Scarpinato said, though, that Ducey was looking forward to welcoming Trump when Air Force One touches down.

Arizona has been a focus of Trump’s ire in recent weeks as the president has a frosty relationship with the state’s two Republican senators: Jeff Flake and John McCain. McCain and Flake both criticized Trump’s response to the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Flake condemned the president in his new book, "Conscience of a Conservative."

Trump didn’t take the criticism lightly.

Great to see that Dr. Kelli Ward is running against Flake Jeff Flake, who is WEAK on borders, crime and a non-factor in Senate. He's toxic!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017

Trump’s rally is set to take place at 7 p.m. in the downtown area.

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