Citation From Trump & Republican National Committee "Disturbing," Says RI House GOP Leader

Citation From Trump & Republican National Committee "Disturbing," Says RI House GOP Leader

A top Rhode Island Republican is criticizing the “Life Member Order of Merit” award bestowed on individuals by President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee (RNC).

Rhode Island House Minority Leader Blake Filippi blasted the citation issued to GOP supporters "in recognition of their undying commitment, patriotic loyalty and dedication of service to President Donald J. Trump, the Republican Party and the United States of America."

“I’ve seen these ‘Orders of Merit’ issued by Donald Trump and the RNC, and they are disturbing, to say the least,” said Filippi. 

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

The citation is signed by Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and RNC chair Ronna McDaniel. 

SEE AWARD BELOW

“In this country, we don’t pledge our ‘undying commitment’ to individuals or political parties. We pledge it to the Constitution and rule of law,” Filippi continued.

Filippi shared a photo of the citation, with the name blacked out.  When reached for comment by GoLocalProv.com, Filippi said he was not the recipient of the award. 

"My comment was succinct and to the point. We don't do that in this country," said Filippi. "We're supposed to put principle over party."

When asked if he supported President Trump, Filippi said the following. 

"I support issues and ideas -- I don't support individuals at the expense of country," said Filippi. 

Rising RI GOP Leader 

Filippi, who was chosen by the House Republican Caucus as the Minority Leader in November 2018, is widely considered to be a potential GOP gubernatorial candidate in Rhode Island in 2022. 

He previously served for two years as the Minority Whip, the second ranking member of the caucus.  

Filippi was first elected in November 2014 and represents House District 36, which includes all of Block Island and Charlestown, and portions of Westerly and South Kingstown. He is also a member of the Permanent Joint Commission on State Lottery.

Filippi shared the following image, covering the name of the recipient.