Trump-backed Rogers takes flak over Benghazi 'cover up' from Michigan primary opponent

Former Michigan GOP Rep. Mike Rogers is facing criticism from his Senate GOP primary opponent, Sandy Pensler, over claims he helped former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "cover up" the 2012 attack on a U.S. facility in Benghazi, Libya.

"Four Americans killed by terrorists in Benghazi. Hillary Clinton’s worst scandal. Congressman Mike Rogers helped Hillary cover it up," the ad, entitled "Cover Up," states. "Mike Rogers called our soldiers liars... Mike Rogers Covered for Hillary Then. Covers for Hillary Now."

The ad includes audio of Rogers describing allegations related to the attack "nonsense" as well as footage of Army Ranger Kris Paronto saying "I looked Mike Rogers in the eyes and said that if we would have not been delayed, we would have saved the Ambassador’s life."

It comes as part of a "7 figure" ad buy on Pensler's part as the primary heats up. Apart from Rogers and Pensler, the primary field also features former Michigan Rep. Justin Amash. Former Michigan GOP Rep. Peter Meijer dropped his bid in April.

Rogers Communications Director Chris Gustafson provided the following statement to Just the News:

This is an absolute falsehood, and just further desperate lies from Sandy, who’s once again choosing to work against President Trump. Here are the facts: Mike led an investigation under the House Intelligence jurisdiction to find the facts surrounding Benghazi to create a timeline, and used their findings to vote to create a permanent committee to investigate Hilary Clinton, which led to the disclosure of her 30,000 emails. Any insinuation to the contrary is an injustice to the Americans serving who lost their lives that fateful day.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, meanwhile, said the following:

As someone who served on the Benghazi Select Committee and the Intelligence Committee, I know that Mike Rogers did amazing work to bring to light Hillary Clinton's failures on that day and throughout her time as Secretary of State.  Any idea that there was a cover-up is just absurd and false.  The truth is that the Benghazi Committee wouldn't have been successful in uncovering Hillary's 30,000 emails, rampant corruption, and her failure to keep Americans safe without the work Mike Rogers did.

Rogers received Trump's endorsement in March, with the former president saying "[h]e will tirelessly fight to Secure the Border, Stop Inflation, Grow the Economy, Strengthen our Military / Veteran Support, and Protect and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.