McMullin mocks Gingrich for backtracking on ‘drain the swamp’ remark

Former independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin is mocking Newt Gingrich for backtracking on his claims that President-elect Donald Trump didn’t want to “drain the swamp.”

“Newt is learning the public prostration required of authoritarian loyalists,” McMullin tweeted Wednesday. “The dear leader often changes his mind but he’s always correct.”

Newt is learning the public prostration required of authoritarian loyalists. The dear leader often changes his mind but he’s always correct. https://t.co/t8RiI1q9aj

— Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) December 22, 2016

Gingrich earlier this week claimed that Trump was backing away from his “drain the swamp” campaign pledge to end corruption and the role of wealthy special interests in politics.

“[Trump] now says [the phrase] was cute, but he doesn’t want to use it anymore,” he said on NPR’s “Morning Edition.”

{mosads}“[It] vividly illustrates the problem, because all people in this city who are the alligators are going to hate the swamp being drain,” Gingrich added of how the phrase describes Washington, D.C. “But, you know, he is my leader, and if he decides to drop the swamp and the alligator I will drop the swamp and the alligator.”

Trump fired back Wednesday, tweeting: “Someone incorrectly stated that the phrase ‘DRAIN THE SWAMP’ was no longer being used by me. Actually, we will always be trying to DTS.”

Gingrich quickly responded, claiming he had “made a big boo-boo” in a video posted to Twitter.

“I talked this morning with President-elect Trump, and he reminded me he likes draining the swamp” Gingrich continued.

“I mischaracterized it the other day,” the former House Speaker and 2012 Republican presidential candidate added. “He intends to drain the swamp.

“When I make a mistake, I’m going to be straightforward and tell you. I blew that one. Draining the swamp is in. President-elect Trump wants to do it. And you’re going to get to be a part of it.”