WASHINGTON — White House spokesman Josh Earnest says he feels “sorry for Rudy Giuliani today” after the former New York mayor declared that President Barack Obama does not love the United States.

Earnest said Obama has repeatedly declared his love of country and has promoted the United States as a force for good in the world.

Earnest says: “It is sad to see when somebody who has attained a certain level of public stature and even admiration tarnishes that legacy so thoroughly.”

Giuliani, at an event in New York City on Wednesday night said: “I know this is a horrible thing to say, but I do not believe that the president loves America.”