Trump tears into Kristol on Twitter

After Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol on Sunday evening talked up “an impressive” third-party candidate soon entering the 2016 race, Donald Trump ripped into him on Twitter, calling the prominent conservative voice a “loser” and a “dummy.”

Kristol, one of Trump’s most vocal detractors, has been actively seeking a White House candidate to challenge the de facto GOP nominee from the right, and Sunday he indicated progress:

Just a heads up over this holiday weekend: There will be an independent candidate–an impressive one, with a strong team and a real chance.

— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) May 29, 2016

Trump fired back in a trio of tweets, calling for Republicans “to be smart & strong” and rally behind him in the general election.

Bill Kristol has been wrong for 2yrs-an embarrassed loser, but if the GOP can't control their own, then they are not a party. Be tough, R's!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2016

The Republican Party has to be smart & strong if it wants to win in November. Can't allow lightweights to set up a spoiler Indie candidate!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2016

If dummy Bill Kristol actually does get a spoiler to run as an Independent, say good bye to the Supreme Court!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2016

Earlier this month, an article from the Breitbart website called Kristol a “Republican spoiler” and “renegade Jew” for his efforts to undermine Trump. Many conservatives believe a third-party bid would split the GOP and hand the race to Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton.