U.S. Jack Reed expressed sharp concern about President Donald Trump in an unintentionally recorded conversation Tuesday.
The audio was recorded when a microphone was left on after a U.S. Senate subcommittee meeting.
As part of an exchange with U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, Reed said, in a seeming reference to Trump, “I think he’s crazy. I don’t say that lightly and as a kind of a goofy guy.”
The audio was captured by various news organizations, including The Washington Post.
Both Reed and Collins describe their concerns about the White House’s handling of budgetary issues. At one point, Reed said, “If we don’t get a budget deal, we’re going to be paralyzed.”
Reed also used a swear word in discussing a Texas congressman, Republican Blake Farenthold, who said he would challenge Collins to a duel, if she were a man.
“Did you see the one who challenged me to a duel?” Collins said.
Reed responded, “I know,” Reed replies. “Trust me. Do you know why he challenged you to a duel? Cause you could beat the [expletive] out of him.”
Reed is characteristically guarded in his public comments, although he’s become more outspoken since Trump came into office.
In a statement, Reed spokesman Chip Unruh said, “Senator Reed was just letting Senator Collins know he’s in her corner.”
“He has said it publicly and said it privately: the Trump Administration is behaving erratically and irresponsibly. For the good of the country, the president needs to start focusing on the budget.”
This post has been updated.
