Buttigieg, who is weighing a 2020 bid, said in an interview with The Washington Post Magazine published in January, "Donald Trump got elected because, in his twisted way, he pointed out the huge troubles in our economy and our democracy." He added, "At least he didn't go around saying that America was already great, like Hillary did."
Nick Merrill, a Clinton adviser and spokesman, called Buttigieg's months-old comments "indefensible."
"This is indefensible. @HillaryClinton ran on a belief in this country & the most progressive platform in modern political history. Trump ran on pessimism, racism, false promises, & vitriol. Interpret that how you want, but there are 66,000,000 people who disagree. Good luck," Merrill posted on Twitter.
Buttigieg, 37, has formed a presidential exploratory committee, and if elected would be the youngest president in US history and the first married gay president.
More recently, Buttigieg weighed in on the 2016 election cycle and said in an interview with "The Breakfast Club," a New York City-based radio show, "We spent, I think, way too much time on our side talking about him." He added, "Our whole message was don't vote for him because he is terrible. And even because he is, that is not a message."
Grady Keefe, a former advance staffer for Clinton, criticized Buttigieg as well and wrote on Twitter, "It is unfortunate when people as smart as @PeteButtigieg engage in this fantasy fiction about 2016. And as a gay American it is disappointing because @HillaryClinton ran a campaign which amongst its many values championed our community."
CNN has reached out to Buttigieg's team for comment.
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