Famed Iraq War cheerleader Sean Hannity appears to have kicked things off last week, saying on his show that "a new Axis of evil is emerging" between China, Russia and Iran, a slogan that has since been echoed numerous times this week.

On Tuesday former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told Fox News that Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are "two dictators that have said they are unlimited partners," asserting that "This is the new Axis of Evil, with Iran being their junior partner."

Also on Tuesday Representative Mike Lawler tweeted, "Xi's meeting with Putin in Moscow is deeply concerning and highlights the growing threats posed by this new axis of evil," and on Thursday he tweeted, "We are dealing with a new axis of evil and failure to stop Putin in Ukraine will have far-reaching implications as Russia pushes further into Eastern Europe and China moves against Taiwan."

On Wednesday The Telegraph published an article titled "Xi and Putin are building a new axis of evil," which mixes in the phrases "China-Russia axis" and "Beijing-Moscow axis" for good measure.

Also on Wednesday Representative Brian Mast tweeted "This is the new axis of evil" with a picture of Xi and Putin shaking hands.