President Trump labeled billionaire GOP activist brothers David and Charles Koch as globalists and "a total joke in real Republican circles" in a series of tweets Tuesday morning.
"The globalist Koch Brothers, who have become a total joke in real Republican circles, are against Strong Borders and Powerful Trade. I never sought their support because I don’t need their money or bad ideas. They love my Tax & Regulation Cuts, Judicial picks & more. I made them richer. Their network is highly overrated, I have beaten them at every turn. They want to protect their companies outside the U.S. from being taxed, I’m for America First & the American Worker - a puppet for no one. Two nice guys with bad ideas. Make America Great Again!"
The backdrop: Charles Koch told reporters this weekend that his political network would be moving away from supporting Trump's priorities — especially on trade — ahead of this fall's midterms, even signaling that he may be open to supporting Democrats who believe in free-market ideals over Trump's protectionism.