Donald Trump has shrugged off criticism from former presidential candidate Mitt Romney who accused the US leader of failing to lead the “divided” nation.
In response to the stinging personal attack from the fellow Republican, Mr Trump urged him to be a “team player”.
It comes after Mr Romney, in an op-ed for the Washington Post on Tuesday, suggested the president had caused dismay around the world.
Hitting back, Mr Trump wrote on Twitter: “Here we go with Mitt Romney, but so fast! Question will be, is he a Flake? I hope not.
“Would much prefer that Mitt focus on Border Security and so many other things where he can be helpful.
“I won big, and he didn’t. He should be happy for all Republicans. Be a TEAM player & WIN!”
In his essay for the US newspaper, Mr Romney blasted a number of Mr Trump’s actions.
He wrote: “The appointment of senior persons of lesser experience, the abandonment of allies who fight beside us, and the President’s thoughtless claim that America has long been a ‘sucker’ in world affairs all defined his presidency down.
He added: “Trump’s words and actions have caused dismay around the world.”
Mr Romney explained that it was “well-known” Mr Trump was not his choice for the Republican presidential nomination, but added he hoped the 72-year-old would “rise to the occasion” once elected.
He said: “His early appointments of Rex Tillerson, Jeff Sessions, Nikki Haley, Gary Cohn, H.R. McMaster, Kelly and Mattis were encouraging.
“But, on balance, his conduct over the past two years, particularly his actions this month, is evidence that the president has not risen to the mantle of the office.”
Mr Romney also accused the president of failing to unite the nation at a time when it is “so divided”.
