Conservative commentator Bill Kristol responded to Donald Trump Donald John TrumpBarr criticizes DOJ in speech declaring all agency power 'is invested in the attorney general' Military leaders asked about using heat ray on protesters outside White House: report Powell warns failure to reach COVID-19 deal could 'scar and damage' economy MORE’s attack on Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) on Saturday, arguing the president-elect treats the civil rights icon worse than he does Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“It’s telling, I’m afraid, that Donald Trump treats Vladimir Putin with more respect than he does John Lewis,” tweeted Kristol, a leading figure from the "Never Trump" movement.

It's telling, I'm afraid, that Donald Trump treats Vladimir Putin with more respect than he does John Lewis. — Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) January 14, 2017

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Kristol was a vocal critic of Trump during the campaign. After his electoral win, Kristol said, “I hope President-elect Trump proves to be a far better president than I had expected.”

Trump slammed Lewis in a pair of tweets on Saturday morning after he questioned the president-elect’s legitimacy and announced that he would not attend Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

Numerous lawmakers rushed to Lewis’ defense on Twitter, painting the civil rights icon as a devoted activist and politician. Several made similar observations to Kristol, noting Trump's relationship with Putin.

"Trump stands with V. Putin. I stand with John Lewis," New York Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler tweeted.

A strategist for former GOP presidential candidate John Kasich also knocked Trump over his claim that Lewis was "all talk" and "no action."

"Trump attacks: POWs, Mexicans, Muslims, disabled reporter, military & intel officers, Gold Star Parents, John Lewis. But never Putin. Never!" Kasich strategist John Weaver tweeted.