Flake: Many conservative Republicans ‘just can’t support a candidate like’ Trump

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

“I think Republicans believe in the rule of law in particular,” Flake told ABC’s Martha Raddatz on “This Week.” “And it’s difficult to support a candidate who, having lost 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 that a lot of conservative Republicans feel the way I do, that you just can’t support a candidate like that.”

Flake, also the former U.S. ambassador to Turkey, announced Sunday he was backing Vice President Harris in her 2024 presidential bid.

“Having spent the past three years overseas as a U.S. Ambassador, I’ve seen up close that we have very real enemies abroad,” Flake said in a statement posted to 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 weighed in on the vice president’s foreign policy capability, saying he believes Harris is “ready” for the presidency and that she “understands that we have real enemies abroad.”

“But in particular we have indispensable allies as well, and we need to support them and work with them if we’re to defeat Russia, certainly, and the growing threat of China,” he added. “It was really stark watching the debate the other day and — and hearing the former president not be able to even cheer for Ukraine.”

The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment.