WASHINGTON – Sen. Marco Rubio has a theory why Republicans won't criticize President Donald Trump: the news media.

In a tweet this morning, Rubio said that speaking out "means siding with a media that never cuts him a break, turns even little things he does into an act of evil, are also unfair to them & in the end will still attack you anyway."

He was commenting on a online poll in which 92 percent of Republicans said they think the media intentionally misreports information.

Many Republicans won’t criticize Trump even when they don’t agree with him b/c it means siding with a media that nevers cuts him a break,turns even little things he does into an act of evil,are also unfair to them & in the end will still attack you anyway https://t.co/jv3A18ka4V — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 27, 2018

But Rubio's take ignores other factors:

Some Republicans are fearful of speaking out because they could draw a primary opponent — or the wrath of Trump himself.

Some Republicans, Rubio included, have said they don't want to have to comment on every controversy because it will distract from doing their work, even as that work includes being a check on the executive.

Related: Many Florida lawmakers choose silence over getting sucked in White House maelstrom

Rubio's remark drew a flood of criticism:

Elected Republicans don’t criticize Trump because they are either complicit or craven. Any other explanations are rationalizations. — Mac Stipanovich (@MacStipanovich) June 27, 2018

Marco Rubio once told America that Donald Trump is a dangerous con man who can’t be trusted with the nuclear codes.



Now he wishes the media would cut Trump a break. https://t.co/7pPgQnnPA3 — Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) June 27, 2018

The Free Press is not in the business of giving politicians “a break” ...if you prefer PROPAGANDA stick with GranmaCubaTV or FoxStateTV same thing both: propaganda lies — Natives&ImmigrantsAreUS (@LillianRodrigu6) June 27, 2018

Marco, are you describing actions of the media or the person that constantly attacks and belittles you? Apparently, you don't see the constant coverage. Try watching a rally, then narrate how you feel. The GOP won't criticize but it has nothing to do with media fairness. — ADR (@PaxRiver1971) June 27, 2018