After complaining that the GOP retirements hurt the party in the midterms, President Trump on Wednesday proudly credited himself with forcing out Sen. Jeff Flake.

“In Jeff Flake’s case, it’s me, pure and simple. I retired him. I’m very proud of it. I did the country a great service,” Mr. Trump said at a White House press conference.

Mr. Flake, Arizona Republican, has been a constant critic of the president, but his fierce anti-Trump stance forced him to retire or face certain defeat at the polls.

“He is retired,” Mr. Trump said. “I would like to use another word, but we are going to treat him with great respect.”

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