Former President Donald Trump checked George W. Bush for comparing Capitol rioters to “violent extremists abroad,” during his speech on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 at the Flight 93 Memorial, noting that the “World Trade Center came down during his watch.”

“So interesting to watch former President Bush, who is responsible for getting us into the quicksand of the Middle East (and then not winning!), as he lectures us that terrorists on the ‘right’ are a bigger problem than those from foreign countries that hate America, and that are pouring into our Country right now,” Trump said in a statement through the Save America PAC.  

He called out Bush for starting the war in the first place and failing to protect the country under his leadership as the 43rd President of the United States. 

“If that is so, why was he willing to spend trillions of dollars and be responsible for the death of perhaps millions of people?” Trump continued. “He shouldn’t be lecturing us about anything. The World Trade Center came down during his watch. Bush led a failed and uninspiring presidency. He shouldn’t be lecturing anybody!​”

Bush shaded Jan. 6 rioters by comparing them to foreign terrorists at a memorial ceremony on Saturday, near where Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania on 9/11.

“We have seen growing evidence that the dangers to our country can come not only across borders, but from violence that gathers within,” Bush said.

“There is little cultural overlap between violent extremists abroad and violent extremists at home,” he continued. “But in their disdain for pluralism, in their disregard for human life, in their determination to defile national symbols, they are children of the same foul spirit. And it is our continuing duty to confront them.”

The Democratic coalition praised Bush for his commentary. “George W. Bush is right—we must always remain vigilant against terrorist extremists both at home and abroad. And we cannot rest until all of Trump’s traitorous, insurrectionist foot soldiers face justice,” they tweeted. 

But conservatives panned him for making the connection. “I have personally overlooked many things from former President George W. Bush but his comparison between Trump voters and the Jihadists from 9/11 is an absolute disgrace,” Republican Rob Maness commented.

“Millions of morons believe these people are the same. What an insult to those murdered on 9/11,” remarked podcaster Julie Kelly.