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Duncan Hunter of California was one of Donald Trump’s first backers on Capitol Hill, long before it became fashionable. But like other Republicans, Hunter is showing signs of buyer’s remorse.

“He’s just like he is on TV,” the congressman reportedly told colleagues on Friday. “He’s an asshole, but he’s our asshole.”

The comment was reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune, which said it was recounted by four people present when Hunter spoke at a Riverside County Young Republicans meeting at a sports bar in Murrieta, California.

The San Diego-area congressman and marine combat veteran was one of the first lawmakers to endorse Trump during his divisive, anti-establishment campaign for president. A member of the House armed services committee, Hunter has written newspaper columns defending Trump’s approach to Russia.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Hunter made the “asshole” comment while speaking alongside another congressman, Ken Calvert. It continued: “According to the sources, a woman asked the two congressmen if they had met Trump and what the president is like.



“Calvert said Hunter knew the president better. According to two of the sources Hunter covered his mouth when he made his statement, as if he were telling a secret. ‘He put his hand near his mouth like when you are going to whisper something,’ Jose Guzman, one of the attendees, said.

“The crowd ate up Hunter’s assessment,’ said Whitney Walsh, who also was there. ‘Very much. They were fine with that answer,’ she said. Hunter said descriptions of Trump’s personality have been accurate, Guzman said.

“‘And he goes, “By the way, all the stories you hear about him, they’re true. Except the fake news,”’ Guzman said.”

The paper quoted another witness, Tami Sims, as saying: “I thought it was incredibly derogatory.”

Hunter, whose father served 14 consecutive terms in Congress, is under criminal investigation by the justice department for allegedly misspending tens of thousands of dollars in campaign funds – including by flying the family rabbit on a plane. Democrats are considering a bid to target his normally safe seat.