GOP Sen. Sasse slams Trump's church visit after 'clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op'

Nebraska Republican Sen. Ben Sasse on Tuesday leveled criticism across the political spectrum telling Americans amid nationwide George Floyd protests that they have no right to "riot" and criticizing President Trump’s visit to St. John’s Church last evening after law enforcement cleared his path.

Sasse, an off-and-on critic of the president's actions, said that while "there is no right to riot," he is "against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the Word of God as a political prop."

Sasse's statement is apparently being getting blowback from both sides of the political spectrum.

Republicans are dismayed that the senator is publicly criticizing the president during a national crisis for an action many saw as justified and meaningful.

Democrats view Sasse as a past enabler of POTUS's agenda and behavior and believe he should either do more to stop the commander-in-chief, or say nothing at all.  

Sasse is seeking a second Senate term in November. He easily fended off a primary challenge in March, winning 77% of the vote. The Cook Political Report rates his seat as solid Republican, which gives Sasse considerable cover to criticize Trump without fear of political consequences.