WATCH: GOP Congressman Awkwardly Dodges When Confronted By CNN’s Dana Bash About Trump Attacking Judge’s Daughter on Social Media

CNN’s Dana Bash confronted a Republican congressman about former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and sharing of violent images targeting his enemies.

In an interview on CNN’s State of the Union Sunday, Bash grilled Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) — who represents a purple district — about several of the former president’s posts on his Truth Social platform. Notably in several posts, Trump has attacked the daughter of Judge Juan Merchan — who is presiding over his New York criminal trial. The former president also shared an image of President Joe Biden tied in the back of a pickup truck.

“All week, he has been aggressively attacking the judge overseeing one of his trials in your state of New York,” Bash said. “He’s also gone after the judge’s daughter — posting her name and picture on social media. On Friday, he targeted another perceived enemy, the President of the United States, his rival for the white House. He posted a video with violent imagery of Biden hogtied in the back of a pickup truck. Does Trump going after a judge’s family, promoting violent images of President Biden, cross a line?”

Lawler ducked the question — not commenting on the specific posts Bash asked about. The congressman also did not specifically condemn Trump, and instead argued that political rhetoric needs to be softened on both sides.

“I think everyone needs to tone down the rhetoric, the language,” Lawler said. “And you know, obviously, social media has become a vehicle by which to bludgeon people. I just think at the end of the day, the former president, current president, and on down, all of us have a responsibility to check our language, to watch what we’re saying, and to focus on the issues at hand.”

After the congressman dodged, Bash asked the question again.

“When you have a candidate for president who is facing a legal situation going after … not just the judge, but putting photos of the judge’s daughter, name and face, on social media,” Bash said. “I just want to be clear: Are you denouncing that? I know you talked about both sides, but I’m asking you about this specific issue.”

“Families should always be off limits,” Lawler replied. “Obviously, the former president has every right to defend himself in court. But I think the focus of this campaign and this election should be on the American people, and the issues facing the American people.”

Bash then asked the swing district congressman if he plans to back Trump in the fall.

“You didn’t endorse Donald Trump in the primary,” Bash said. “Are you going to support him for president?”

Lawler would not commit.

“Look, I’m not focused right now on the presidential race,” he said. “I am focused on my campaign, and my district. And, the work that we are doing here. And at some point, I’m sure I’ll have a comment, with respect to the presidential race. But right now, I’m focused on my district.”

Watch above, via CNN.

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