Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., called President Trump’s suggestion that Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., “would do anything” for campaign contributions “grotesque” and befitting of a person who is “ill-equipped” to serve as president.

“What took place this morning, when the president tweeted about our colleague Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, is grotesque,” Speier told reporters Tuesday. “It took my breath away, and it represents the conduct of a person who is ill-equipped to be the president of the United States.”

Trump took aim at Gillibrand on Tuesday after she called for him to resign because of allegations of sexual misconduct.

"Lightweight Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a total flunky for Chuck Schumer and someone who would come to my office ‘begging’ for campaign contributions not so long ago (and would do anything for them), is now in the ring fighting against Trump. Very disloyal to Bill & Crooked-USED!" Trump tweeted.

Lightweight Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a total flunky for Chuck Schumer and someone who would come to my office “begging” for campaign contributions not so long ago (and would do anything for them), is now in the ring fighting against Trump. Very disloyal to Bill & Crooked-USED! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2017



Gillibrand called the president’s tweet a “sexist smear” and said Trump brought “shame” to the presidency.

“You cannot silence me or the millions of women who have gotten off the sidelines to speak out about the unfitness and shame you have brought to the Oval Office,” she tweeted.

You cannot silence me or the millions of women who have gotten off the sidelines to speak out about the unfitness and shame you have brought to the Oval Office. https://t.co/UbQZqubXZv — Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) December 12, 2017



Several of Gillibrand’s Democratic colleagues have defended the New York Democrat, including Speier and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who accused Trump of trying to “slut-shame” Gillibrand.

“Are you really trying to bully, intimidate and slut-shame @SenGillibrand? Do you know who you’re picking a fight with? Good luck with that, @realDonaldTrump. Nevertheless, #shepersisted,” Warren tweeted Tuesday.