Two main issues are at play in the dynamics of this particular story.
The first is one that endures: progressives and Democrats despise Republicans no matter what. It has nothing to do with any given policy, it's that they have a totalitarian lust that fills them with the urge to destroy any viewpoint with which they disagree.
They all love to pretend that isn't so, and that they're only this combative now because of President Trump, which is garbage. Democrats have been saying that all Republicans are racist since I first became active in politics, and that was a long time ago.
They hate because they hate. It's what they do.
Dear Republicans Rushing to Condemn Trump's Tweets: The MSM Still Hates You