During Donald Trump’s first official press conference since becoming president-elect, the question and answer session between him and reporters often had the feel of an insane wrestling match. For nearly an hour, Trump made inconsistent statements, appeared combative, and even shouted at a reporter. Yes, the days of a calm and civil president are almost over.
Trump aimed the most criticism at CNN following a report that the Russians obtained damaging info against him. But while Buzzfeed released reports on Trump’s alleged sexual activity that couldn’t be proved, CNN simply reported that CIA officials briefed him on the hack without publishing details. But Trump blasted CNN and reporter Jim Acosta.
Acosta attempted to ask Trump questions several times, but Trump refused to acknowledge him. “Your organization is terrible,” Trump scolded Acosta. “Don’t be rude. You are fake news!”
CNN released a statement and saying, “CNN’s decision to publish carefully sourced reporting about the operations of our government is vastly different than Buzzfeed’s decision to publish unsubstantiated memos. The Trump team knows this. They are using Buzzfeed’s decision to deflect from CNN’s reporting, which has been matched by the other major news organizations. We made it clear that we were not publishing any of the details of the 35-page document because we have not corroborated the report’s allegations. Given that members of the Trump transition team have so vocally criticized our reporting, we encourage them to identify, specifically, what they believe to be inaccurate.”
Following the confrontation, some on social media blasted Trump for calling CNN “fake news” and shared his lies of the past. One prominent untruth was Trump’s claim that President Obama was not a U.S. citizen. He has since rescinded the claim.
Honestly, Donald Trump should love BuzzFeed. They perfected the clickbait model that made fake news a legitimate online business.
— Akilah Hughes (@AkilahObviously) January 11, 2017
The man that won an election because his voters believed “fake news” held a press conference chastizing “fake news.” #TrumpPressConference
— Jeremy Lindgren (@jermlindgren) January 11, 2017
Donald Trump calls mainstream media fake news but personally lied and led disgusting birtherism movement for 5 years #TrumpPressConference
— ♻️ Christopher Zullo (@ChrisJZullo) January 11, 2017
Trump, who appears on Alex Jones’ show that claims no kids were killed at Newtown & grieving parents are paid actors, decries Fake News.
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) January 11, 2017
So odd how Trump constantly projects: he hates “fake news” (which contributed to his win), and “Nazis” (who openly supported him in his run)
— Chelsea Peretti (@chelseaperetti) January 11, 2017
