«…Trumpian snub of the press corps.»
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President Donald Trump left the White House on Friday without holding the traditional end-of-the-year press conference, much to the chagrin of some in the media.
“President Trump’s year of flouting presidential traditions and trashing the media isn’t quite over yet,” lamented Brian Stelter of CNN .
Stelter reported that “analysts” are speculating that President Trump’s aides and attorneys do not want him to make any unscripted appearances in fear of having to answer questions about the Russia investigation.
CNN’s Jim Acosta alluded to other questions the president wanted to avoid answering:
No surprise Trump did not hold year end news conf. Q’s he avoided:
1. Threatening US allies at UN? 2. How would tax plan benefit you? 3. Regret endorsing accused child molester? 4. Pledge you won’t fire Mueller? 5. Will you deport Dreamers? 6. Where’s your health care plan?
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) December 22,2017
“In the seven months since Robert Mueller was appointed special counsel, Trump has had two main types of interactions with the press: Short sessions where journalists shout questions, and kid-glove interviews with supporters on Fox News,” Stelter wrote.
Perhaps there’s a reason Trump refuses to give the media what they want. A study by the Media Research Center showed that in just the last three months, 90 percent of the coverage on network evening news broadcasts was negative toward the president’s administration.
The summer months of June, July, and August saw the same percentage of negative stories about President Trump.
It was the first time in 15 years that a president will not a hold an end-of-the-year press conference.
“Skipping a formal press conference could be seen as a Trumpian snub of the press corps,” Stelter wrote.
Trump did tweet some of his accomplishments Friday, and he took a shot at the media, whom he feels has not covered them adequately:
“The President has accomplished some absolutely historic things during this past year.” Thank you Charlie Kirk of Turning Points USA. Sadly, the Fake Mainstream Media will NEVER talk about our accomplishments in their end of year reviews. We are compiling a long & beautiful list.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 22,2017
With all my Administration has done on Legislative Approvals (broke Harry Truman’s Record), Regulation Cutting, Judicial Appointments, Building Military, VA, TAX CUTS & REFORM, Record Economy/Stock Market and so much more, I am sure great credit will be given by mainstream news?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 22,2017
“Instead of a presser, Trump signed the GOP tax bill in front of cameras in the Oval Office. He spoke for about 20 minutes, complaining at one point about not getting ‘credit’ from the media,” Stelter reported.
