Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin compared talk radio host Rush Limbaugh to former KKK leader David Duke after the talk show host received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Rubin, the newspaper’s conservative commentator, made the comparison in a tweet posted Wednesday morning, a day after President Trump delivered his annual State of the Union address to Congress. Trump awarded Limbaugh, known as the godfather of conservative talk radio, the Presidential Medal of Freedom during the speech.

"It is a national disgrace that a birther, a racist, a misogynist is getting this award. Why not give it to David Duke?" Rubin asked on Twitter, responding to a tweet by filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner criticizing Limbaugh.

It is a national disgrace that a birther, a racist, a misogynist is getting this award. Why not give it to David Duke? — Jennifer Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) February 5, 2020

Rubin also attacked the conservative media pundit, who has advanced lung cancer, in two other tweets on Wednesday morning. Rubin said Democrats’ strategy should focus on attacking Trump and Limbaugh instead of defending House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for ripping her copy of Trump’s speech at the end of the address.

"BTW, the 'thing' Dems should hit is awarding a high honor to a birther/racist/misogynist," Rubin said.

BTW, the "thing" Dems should hit is awarding a high honor to a birther/racist/misogynist — Jennifer Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) February 5, 2020

"Awarding this to a blatant homophobe, racist, misogynist, etc. is a disgrace and both media and Dems are playing defense on tearing up a lie-filled speech?!" Rubin said.

THANK YOU. Awarding this to a blatant homophobe, racist, misogynist, etc. is a disgrace and both media and Dems are playing defense on tearing up a lie-filled speech?! — Jennifer Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) February 5, 2020

Limbaugh announced his cancer diagnosis on his radio show on Monday, triggering a flood of support from conservative commentators, as well as from the president. Trump invited him to attend the State of the Union, and first lady Melania Trump placed the award on him.

Limbaugh has hosted the Rush Limbaugh Show for just over three decades. The show has consistently performed as one of the most popular talk radio shows in the United States and attracts millions of listeners a week.

His senior producer James Golden, known on Limbaugh's program as "Bo Snerdley," defended his boss on Twitter from various allegations similar to Rubin's.

"For all of you liberal haters who keep rolling out this racial BS. I could share stories of Rush's interactions with people of ALL races/.sexual orientations/ etc. He is a KIND, DECENT, RESPECTFUL, GENEROUS, AND LOVING MAN. You know media lies. I know RUSH," Golden tweeted.