Jon Ossoff condemns Trump as ‘draft-dodging, crook president’

Democratic senator Jon Ossoff intensified his public feud with US President Donald Trump after making remarks about "Natalie" that drew criticism from the president and his allies. During a campaign appearance in Georgia on Tuesday, Ossoff condemned Trump as a "draft-dodging, crook president" while praising senator Mark Kelly as a hero.

Kelly, a former navy captain, was among five Democratic lawmakers targeted by Trump last year for releasing a video stating that troops should not carry out illegal orders. Trump demanded their arrests, accusing them of "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!"

Ossoff, who is running for re-election to his Senate seat in Georgia and is rumored to be eyeing a 2028 presidential bid, garnered viral attention on social media for his harsh criticism of Trump. On Sunday, during a campaign appearance in Atlanta, Ossoff again criticized Trump's handling of the US-Israel war on Iran. He suggested that Trump prefers golfing, trading stocks, and engaging with his personal assistant, Natalie Harp, rather than fulfilling his duties. Natalie Harp's close association with Trump has drawn scrutiny.

The White House quickly reacted to Ossoff's comments on Monday. Trump referred to Ossoff as "Pee-wee Herman," while the White House communications director, Steven Cheung, called Ossoff a "radical, extremist Democrat" on social media.