Story highlights Trump expressed outrage over the Griffin photo

Sean Spicer dodged a question about why Trump was not outraged by Ted Nugent

(CNN) Kathy Griffin's participation in a gruesome photoshoot in which she held up a severed head resembling President Donald Trump received widespread backlash from all ends of the political spectrum.

Kathy Griffin should be ashamed of herself. My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017

"Kathy Griffin should be ashamed of herself. My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick!" Trump tweeted Wednesday morning.

But amid the firestorm, many liberals are accusing Trump and conservatives of selective outrage. Their reason: rocker Ted Nugent's caustic criticism of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Remember that time you sought and accepted the endorsement of violently racist pederast Ted Nugent for your presidential bid? Good times. https://t.co/wXcKs5rcel — Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) May 31, 2017

"Remember that time you sought and accepted the endorsement of violently racist pederast Ted Nugent for your presidential bid? Good times," author Joy Reid tweeted in response to Mitt Romney's condemnation of Griffin.

It's reprehensible what Kathy Griffin did, & the left has denounced it.

Ted Nugent did it to Obama, & your dad invited him to the WH. https://t.co/jhOGmr4egG — Laurie Crosswell 🌞 (@lauriecrosswell) May 30, 2017