Report: Jeb Bush privately referred to Donald Trump as a 'buffoon,' 'clown,' and 'a--hole'

Jeb Bush
(Image credit: Jim Watson/Getty Images)

Tonight's Fox News debate could be something of a Trump & Jeb Bush Show, with many viewers waiting with bated breath to see if the two Republican frontrunners will duke it out — or keep it "civil." Jeb Bush, for one, has kept his mouth shut in regards to his feelings about Trump (Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus allegedly advised several campaigns to ignore Trump's more outlandish statements and to "'not engage him' insult-for-insult," Politico says). However, that hasn't stopped The Donald from throwing some punches, going as far as to suggest that Jeb's so-called affection for "Mexican illegals" is owed to "his [Mexican-American] wife."

Behind closed doors, however, Bush is allegedly a little more verbally critical of Trump. "Seriously, what's this guy's problem?" Jeb supposedly asked one party donor, as reported by Politico. Bush supposedly went on to call Trump a "buffoon," "clown," and "a--hole."

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.