Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney has hit out at Donald Trump, accusing him of failing to lead a "divided" nation.
The former Republican candidate and Utah senator sharply criticised the US President and suggested the leader had caused dismay around the world.
Mr Romney penned an essay for the Washington Post on Tuesday, where he 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.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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”.
Mr Trump has previously endorsed Mr Romney in his bid to run for a Senate seat in Utah.
