Trump ‘needs to stop’ talking about retribution against enemies: Kevin McCarthy

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said former President Donald Trump must stop promising to deliver retribution to his political enemies if he wins the presidency in 2024.

In an interview with CBS News, McCarthy advised that Trump should instead focus on “rebuilding, restoring, [and] Renewing America.”

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When CBS’s Robert Costa pressed him on the topic, noting that Trump has promised revenge and retribution should he secure a second term, McCarthy said, “He needs to stop that.”

Costa asked McCarthy if Trump would listen to him, saying, “He hasn’t listened to anyone before.”

The California Republican pushed back, claiming he has listened to advice in the past. “He will adapt when he gets all the facts,” McCarthy said.

“America does not want to see the idea of retribution,” he explained. “If it’s rebuild, restore, and renew — I think you will see that.”

McCarthy added he would continue to offer advice to Trump, as he wants to improve the country. The former speaker announced last week that he wouldn’t be seeking reelection in the House in 2024, just months after his historic ousting from the leading role.

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Concern has mounted as the former president continues to tout his plans to target “radical-left thugs,” referring to them as vermin, and Marxist prosecutors, promising to deliver retribution. In a recent Fox News town hall, Trump said he wouldn’t be a dictator, “No, other than day one. We’re closing the border, and we’re drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I’m not a dictator.’”

Trump’s campaign did not provide comment to the Washington Examiner.