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GOP lawmaker defends Fox reporter after Trump calls for her firing
BY MORGAN GSTALTER - 09/05/20
© Greg Nash
GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Ill.) on Saturday defended Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin after President Trump targeted the journalist on Twitter and called for her to be fired.
Trump went after Griffin, a national security correspondent, after she reported that former officials had backed up some details in an explosive report about Trump published this week by The Atlantic.
“She’s one of my favorite reporters. Fair and unafraid,” Kinzinger wrote in response to Trump calling for Griffin to be fired.
She’s one of my favorite reporters. Fair and unafraid. https://t.co/dfieE7HqL4— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) September 5, 2020
The president lashed out at Griffin in an earlier tweet after she reported that sources had confirmed key details of the magazine’s report.
The report stirred major criticism of Trump after it alleged he had referred to slain American soldiers buried at a French cemetery as “losers” and “suckers.”
"All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment. @FoxNews is gone!" Trump declared in a tweet late Friday.
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Griffin had said on-air on Friday that sources told her that Trump had said the Vietnam War was “stupid” and anyone who fought in it was a “sucker.”
Griffin, citing a former Trump administration official, reported that Trump "was not in a good mood" during his trip to France in 2018 and "questioned why he had to go to two cemeteries."
She also reported that Trump was adamant flags not be lowered to half-staff when the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a fierce critic of Trump, died in 2018.
Her comments came after The Atlantic reported that Trump was reluctant to travel to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France in 2018, calling the U.S. service members who were buried there during World War I “losers.”
In another conversation, Trump reportedly said that the 1,800 marines who lost their lives in the battle of Belleau Wood were “suckers” for getting killed. The president reportedly asked aides about historic details about WWI, including “Who were the good guys in this war?”
Kinzinger, an Air Force veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, initially called The Atlantic’s report “deeply concerning” and said in a statement that it left him “speechless.”
“This is either the most heinous hit job on a president or the most heinous comments made by a president,” he said. “We need more than unmanned sources, as we have been down this road before only to find these ‘sources’ only hear ‘it’ second-hand or ‘it’ never existed. Regardless, I remain hopeful for a direct source to provide more answers here.”
pic.twitter.com/KacIExA0ez
Trump attacks Fox News reporter after she backs up key details of...
Trump lashes out at 'slimeball reporter' amid furor over alleged war...— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) September 4, 2020
Trump has vehemently denied the allegations, calling The Atlantic story "fake" and saying he did not need to apologize since the remarks attributed to him were not true.
“It was a totally fake story, and that was confirmed by many people that were actually there,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Friday. “It was a terrible thing that somebody could say the kind of things — especially to me because I have done more for the military than almost anybody else.”
© Greg Nash
GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Ill.) on Saturday defended Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin after President Trump targeted the journalist on Twitter and called for her to be fired.
Trump went after Griffin, a national security correspondent, after she reported that former officials had backed up some details in an explosive report about Trump published this week by The Atlantic.
“She’s one of my favorite reporters. Fair and unafraid,” Kinzinger wrote in response to Trump calling for Griffin to be fired.
She’s one of my favorite reporters. Fair and unafraid. https://t.co/dfieE7HqL4— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) September 5, 2020
The president lashed out at Griffin in an earlier tweet after she reported that sources had confirmed key details of the magazine’s report.
The report stirred major criticism of Trump after it alleged he had referred to slain American soldiers buried at a French cemetery as “losers” and “suckers.”
"All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment. @FoxNews is gone!" Trump declared in a tweet late Friday.
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Griffin had said on-air on Friday that sources told her that Trump had said the Vietnam War was “stupid” and anyone who fought in it was a “sucker.”
Griffin, citing a former Trump administration official, reported that Trump "was not in a good mood" during his trip to France in 2018 and "questioned why he had to go to two cemeteries."
She also reported that Trump was adamant flags not be lowered to half-staff when the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a fierce critic of Trump, died in 2018.
Her comments came after The Atlantic reported that Trump was reluctant to travel to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France in 2018, calling the U.S. service members who were buried there during World War I “losers.”
In another conversation, Trump reportedly said that the 1,800 marines who lost their lives in the battle of Belleau Wood were “suckers” for getting killed. The president reportedly asked aides about historic details about WWI, including “Who were the good guys in this war?”
Kinzinger, an Air Force veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, initially called The Atlantic’s report “deeply concerning” and said in a statement that it left him “speechless.”
“This is either the most heinous hit job on a president or the most heinous comments made by a president,” he said. “We need more than unmanned sources, as we have been down this road before only to find these ‘sources’ only hear ‘it’ second-hand or ‘it’ never existed. Regardless, I remain hopeful for a direct source to provide more answers here.”
pic.twitter.com/KacIExA0ez
Trump attacks Fox News reporter after she backs up key details of...
Trump lashes out at 'slimeball reporter' amid furor over alleged war...— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) September 4, 2020
Trump has vehemently denied the allegations, calling The Atlantic story "fake" and saying he did not need to apologize since the remarks attributed to him were not true.
“It was a totally fake story, and that was confirmed by many people that were actually there,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Friday. “It was a terrible thing that somebody could say the kind of things — especially to me because I have done more for the military than almost anybody else.”
Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin: ‘My Sources Are Unimpeachable’
Mark Joyella Senior Contributor Media Sep 5, 2020
I cover political media--and media politics.FORBES
GETTY IMAGES
Fox News Channel journalists have rushed to defend their colleague, correspondent Jennifer Griffin, after President Donald Trump suggested on Twitter that Griffin “should be fired” after she confirmed reporting by The Atlantic that detailed President Trump repeatedly disparaging members of the military, the nation’s war dead, and wounded veterans.
In an appearance on Cavuto Live Saturday, Griffin defended her reporting: “My sources are not anonymous to me and I doubt they are anonymous to the president,” Griffin told Neil Cavuto. “I can tell you that my sources are unimpeachable.”
Cavuto noted that “you are a very good reporter—and then some. Jennifer Griffin following the story here. She’s pretty scrupulous when it comes to making sure all the i’s are dotted and all the t’s are crossed.”
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On Friday, Griffin—citing two former senior Trump Administration officials—confirmed key elements of The Atlantic’s story, including Trump’s decision not to drive to the Aisle-Marne Cemetery outside Paris to honor fallen American soldiers. “The President drives a lot,” one of Griffin’s sources said, “the other world leaders drove to the cemeteries. He just didn't want to go.”
That angered the president, who called for Griffin’s dismissal and added “Fox News is gone!” But Fox News journalists were quick to join reporters from other outlets in defending Griffin. Bryan Llenas, a Fox News national correspondent, said “Jennifer Griffin is the kind of reporter we all strive to be like. She’s courageous, smart, ethical, fair and a class act.”
Fox News’ Bret Baier said Griffin “is a great reporter and a total class act,” and FNC’s Trey Yingst said of Griffin, “she embodies what the industry is built upon. Truth and accountability.”
Mark Joyella
Mark Joyella has been a news anchor and reporter in Miami, Orlando, Tampa and New York City. He's also been a U.S. contributing correspondent for Australian TV
Mark Joyella Senior Contributor Media Sep 5, 2020
I cover political media--and media politics.FORBES
Fox News Channel journalists have rushed to defend their colleague, correspondent Jennifer Griffin, after President Donald Trump suggested on Twitter that Griffin “should be fired” after she confirmed reporting by The Atlantic that detailed President Trump repeatedly disparaging members of the military, the nation’s war dead, and wounded veterans.
In an appearance on Cavuto Live Saturday, Griffin defended her reporting: “My sources are not anonymous to me and I doubt they are anonymous to the president,” Griffin told Neil Cavuto. “I can tell you that my sources are unimpeachable.”
Cavuto noted that “you are a very good reporter—and then some. Jennifer Griffin following the story here. She’s pretty scrupulous when it comes to making sure all the i’s are dotted and all the t’s are crossed.”
Recommended For You
On Friday, Griffin—citing two former senior Trump Administration officials—confirmed key elements of The Atlantic’s story, including Trump’s decision not to drive to the Aisle-Marne Cemetery outside Paris to honor fallen American soldiers. “The President drives a lot,” one of Griffin’s sources said, “the other world leaders drove to the cemeteries. He just didn't want to go.”
That angered the president, who called for Griffin’s dismissal and added “Fox News is gone!” But Fox News journalists were quick to join reporters from other outlets in defending Griffin. Bryan Llenas, a Fox News national correspondent, said “Jennifer Griffin is the kind of reporter we all strive to be like. She’s courageous, smart, ethical, fair and a class act.”
Fox News’ Bret Baier said Griffin “is a great reporter and a total class act,” and FNC’s Trey Yingst said of Griffin, “she embodies what the industry is built upon. Truth and accountability.”
Mark Joyella
Mark Joyella has been a news anchor and reporter in Miami, Orlando, Tampa and New York City. He's also been a U.S. contributing correspondent for Australian TV
Trump slams Fox News reporter who confirmed parts of Atlantic story
\Ursula Perano
President Trump lashed out at Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin, who confirmed parts of a story in The Atlantic that revealed, based on anonymous sources, that the president in 2018 called American service members buried at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France "losers."
What they're saying: "All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment. @FoxNews is gone!" Trump tweeted late Friday night.
Griffin's reporting, which also relied on anonymous sourcing, said that Trump called the Vietnam War "stupid" and argued that anyone who fought in it was a "sucker."
Trump rebuked The Atlantic's story on Thursday, telling reporters "if people really exist that would have said that, they’re lowlifes and they’re liars. And I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more..."
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said at a briefing on Friday: "The story in the Atlantic has been categorically debunked by eyewitnesses and contemporaneous documents."
Reality check: While the president publicly criticizes anonymous sources, his White House often permits them outright.
It's not unusual for White House press calls or briefings to be conducted with the agreement that speakers be referred to as "senior administration officials" in subsequent reporting.
The other side: Griffin told Fox News on Saturday, "I can tell you that my sources are unimpeachable. I feel very confident with what we have reported at FOX."
"Not every line of The Atlantic article did I confirm, but I would say that most of the descriptions and the quotes in that Atlantic article I did find people who were able to confirm and so you know I feel very confident in my reporting," she added.
Axios has reached out to the White House for additional comment.
\Ursula Perano
President Trump lashed out at Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin, who confirmed parts of a story in The Atlantic that revealed, based on anonymous sources, that the president in 2018 called American service members buried at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France "losers."
What they're saying: "All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment. @FoxNews is gone!" Trump tweeted late Friday night.
Griffin's reporting, which also relied on anonymous sourcing, said that Trump called the Vietnam War "stupid" and argued that anyone who fought in it was a "sucker."
Trump rebuked The Atlantic's story on Thursday, telling reporters "if people really exist that would have said that, they’re lowlifes and they’re liars. And I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more..."
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said at a briefing on Friday: "The story in the Atlantic has been categorically debunked by eyewitnesses and contemporaneous documents."
Reality check: While the president publicly criticizes anonymous sources, his White House often permits them outright.
It's not unusual for White House press calls or briefings to be conducted with the agreement that speakers be referred to as "senior administration officials" in subsequent reporting.
The other side: Griffin told Fox News on Saturday, "I can tell you that my sources are unimpeachable. I feel very confident with what we have reported at FOX."
"Not every line of The Atlantic article did I confirm, but I would say that most of the descriptions and the quotes in that Atlantic article I did find people who were able to confirm and so you know I feel very confident in my reporting," she added.
Axios has reached out to the White House for additional comment.
Trump Calls for Firing of Fox News Reporter Who Confirmed President Disparaged Veterans
By DANIEL POLITI SEPT 05, 2020
By DANIEL POLITI SEPT 05, 2020
President Donald Trump arrives for a news conference the White House on September 4, 2020 in Washington, D.C. Drew Angerer/Getty Images
President Donald Trump is calling for a Fox News reporter to be fired after she confirmed some details of a bombshell story that said he disparaged veterans. The Atlantic sparked huge controversy after it published a story Thursday alleging that Trump repeatedly belittled fallen military members. One part of the story claims the president referred to American World War I veterans buried in France’s Aisne-Marne American Cemetery as “suckers” and “losers.” The Associated Press and the Washington Post later confirmed aspects of the story and Fox News national security reporter Jennifer Griffin wrote a Twitter thread and also went on the network to lay out how she had confirmed several claims in the piece, although not the specific allegations of what the president allegedly said about those buried in the French cemetery. But she did confirm with two former senior officials that he did not want to drive to honor those buried in the cemetery outside Paris.
President Trump's staff explained he could cancel (his visit to the cemetery), but he was warned, 'They (the press) are going to kill you for this'." The President was mad as a hornet when they did.— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
Griffin said she confirmed Trump didn’t think highly of those who served in the Vietnam War. “When the President spoke about the Vietnam War, he said, ‘It was a stupid war. Anyone who went was a sucker’,” her source said. The source added that Trump was confused about why anyone would join the service: “What’s in it for them? They don’t make any money.” She also claims the president said that the inclusion of “wounded guys” in a military parade was “not a good look” because “Americans don’t like that.” Griffin also reported Trump did not want flags to be lowered when Sen. John McCain died but later relented amid insistence from other officials.
Trump was evidently really angry about the claims and took to Twitter a few hours later to share an article from Breitbart that alleged Griffin “Did Not Confirm ‘Most Salacious‘ Part of Atlantic Story.” Trump wrote late Friday that Griffin “should be fired for this kind of reporting,” alleging she never called the White House for comment. “@FoxNews is gone,” he added. Melania Trump also joined her husband in denying the story, a rare instance in which the first lady got involved in political issues. “This is not journalism - It is activism,” she tweeted. “And it is a disservice to the people of our great nation.”
Jennifer Griffin of Fox News Did Not Confirm ‘Most Salacious‘ Part of Atlantic Story https://t.co/rUpbSWhHac via @BreitbartNews All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment. @FoxNews is gone!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2020
.@TheAtlantic story is not true. It has become a very dangerous time when anonymous sources are believed above all else, & no one knows their motivation. This is not journalism - It is activism. And it is a disservice to the people of our great nation.— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) September 4, 2020
President Donald Trump is calling for a Fox News reporter to be fired after she confirmed some details of a bombshell story that said he disparaged veterans. The Atlantic sparked huge controversy after it published a story Thursday alleging that Trump repeatedly belittled fallen military members. One part of the story claims the president referred to American World War I veterans buried in France’s Aisne-Marne American Cemetery as “suckers” and “losers.” The Associated Press and the Washington Post later confirmed aspects of the story and Fox News national security reporter Jennifer Griffin wrote a Twitter thread and also went on the network to lay out how she had confirmed several claims in the piece, although not the specific allegations of what the president allegedly said about those buried in the French cemetery. But she did confirm with two former senior officials that he did not want to drive to honor those buried in the cemetery outside Paris.
President Trump's staff explained he could cancel (his visit to the cemetery), but he was warned, 'They (the press) are going to kill you for this'." The President was mad as a hornet when they did.— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
Griffin said she confirmed Trump didn’t think highly of those who served in the Vietnam War. “When the President spoke about the Vietnam War, he said, ‘It was a stupid war. Anyone who went was a sucker’,” her source said. The source added that Trump was confused about why anyone would join the service: “What’s in it for them? They don’t make any money.” She also claims the president said that the inclusion of “wounded guys” in a military parade was “not a good look” because “Americans don’t like that.” Griffin also reported Trump did not want flags to be lowered when Sen. John McCain died but later relented amid insistence from other officials.
Trump was evidently really angry about the claims and took to Twitter a few hours later to share an article from Breitbart that alleged Griffin “Did Not Confirm ‘Most Salacious‘ Part of Atlantic Story.” Trump wrote late Friday that Griffin “should be fired for this kind of reporting,” alleging she never called the White House for comment. “@FoxNews is gone,” he added. Melania Trump also joined her husband in denying the story, a rare instance in which the first lady got involved in political issues. “This is not journalism - It is activism,” she tweeted. “And it is a disservice to the people of our great nation.”
Jennifer Griffin of Fox News Did Not Confirm ‘Most Salacious‘ Part of Atlantic Story https://t.co/rUpbSWhHac via @BreitbartNews All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment. @FoxNews is gone!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2020
.@TheAtlantic story is not true. It has become a very dangerous time when anonymous sources are believed above all else, & no one knows their motivation. This is not journalism - It is activism. And it is a disservice to the people of our great nation.— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) September 4, 2020
Chaos at Fox as some refuse to believe the network’s own reporting on Trump’s contempt for troops
September 5, 2020 Bob Brigham
On Friday, Fox News confirmed much of the reporting by The Atlantic on President Donald Trump disparaging American service members.
The network followed the Associated Press and The Washington Post in largely confirming the reporting.
But even after Fox News reporters matched the reporting, Fox News personality Greg Gutfield falsely claimed on-air that the story had been “debunked.”
As Fox's own reporters confirm parts of the Atlantic story, Greg Gutfeld refers to it on air as a "hoax" and a "scam" pic.twitter.com/Fg938GaSyf
— nikki mccann ramÃrez (@NikkiMcR) September 4, 2020
The split continued throughout the day.
“Fox contributor knocks Fox reporter for noting Fox has now confirmed key details of The Atlantic’s reporting,” CNN senior media reporter Oliver Darcy noted.
Fox contributor knocks Fox reporter for noting Fox has now confirmed key details of The Atlantic's reporting. https://t.co/8kFBS08MHq
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) September 4, 2020
Darcy also noted a bizarre headline on the Fox News website following the network’s confirmation of the reporting. This was noticed by his CNN colleague Jon Passantino, who used to manage the webpage for Fox News, and suggested the editorial choice was “extraordinary and unusual.”
I used to manage the Fox News dot com homepage. This would be an extraordinary and unusual decision to run this denial as the top story despite having confirmed key details of reporting https://t.co/GOf2RUjXcV
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) September 4, 2020
But Fox News personality Laura Ingraham seemed to be bashing her colleagues for a “fake” story on Friday evening.
It would save a lot of time if the Media would just tell us what fake stories they will be announcing over the next six weeks, and when each story will be released
— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) September 5, 2020
The uncomfortable position the network is in was hilariously driven home by Pete Buttigieg on Friday evening.
Even if you don’t believe the multiple news organizations—including @FoxNews—that have confirmed these reports, believe your own eyes.
These comments are part of Donald Trump’s pattern of disrespect for the military since he faked an injury to get out of serving in Vietnam. pic.twitter.com/JwAR3URCT6
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) September 5, 2020
Chaos at Fox News as analysts refuse to believe the network’s reporting — because makes Trump look awful
Here is the Fox News reporting:
Oh
pic.twitter.com/VrybRJAmbt
— Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) September 4, 2020
Two former sr Trump admin officials confirm .@JeffreyGoldberg reporting that President Trump disparaged veterans and did not want to drive to honor American war dead at Aisne-Marne Cemetery outside Paris.
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
This former official heard the President say about American veterans: "What's in it for them? They don't make any money." Source: "It was a character flaw of the President. He could not understand why someone would die for their country, not worth it."
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
Re: trip to mark 100th anniversary of WW I
Source: "The President was not in a good mood. Macron had said something that made him mad about American reliability and the need perhaps for a European army. He questioned why he had to go to two cemeteries. 'Why do I have to do two'?"
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
When asked IF the President could have driven to the Aisne-Marne Cemetery, this former official said confidently: "The President drives a lot. The other world leaders drove to the cemeteries. He just didn't want to go."
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
Regarding McCain, "The President just hated John McCain. He always asked, 'Why do you see him as a hero?" Two sources confirmed the President did not want flags lowered but others in the White House ordered them at half mast. There was a stand off and then the President relented.
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
Fox News confirms shocking story on Trump’s contempt for American troops — after the president argued it was ‘fake’September 5, 2020 Bob Brigham
Fox News via the network's Facebook page.
On Friday, Fox News confirmed much of the reporting by The Atlantic on President Donald Trump disparaging American service members.
The network followed the Associated Press and The Washington Post in largely confirming the reporting.
But even after Fox News reporters matched the reporting, Fox News personality Greg Gutfield falsely claimed on-air that the story had been “debunked.”
As Fox's own reporters confirm parts of the Atlantic story, Greg Gutfeld refers to it on air as a "hoax" and a "scam" pic.twitter.com/Fg938GaSyf
— nikki mccann ramÃrez (@NikkiMcR) September 4, 2020
The split continued throughout the day.
“Fox contributor knocks Fox reporter for noting Fox has now confirmed key details of The Atlantic’s reporting,” CNN senior media reporter Oliver Darcy noted.
Fox contributor knocks Fox reporter for noting Fox has now confirmed key details of The Atlantic's reporting. https://t.co/8kFBS08MHq
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) September 4, 2020
Darcy also noted a bizarre headline on the Fox News website following the network’s confirmation of the reporting. This was noticed by his CNN colleague Jon Passantino, who used to manage the webpage for Fox News, and suggested the editorial choice was “extraordinary and unusual.”
I used to manage the Fox News dot com homepage. This would be an extraordinary and unusual decision to run this denial as the top story despite having confirmed key details of reporting https://t.co/GOf2RUjXcV
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) September 4, 2020
But Fox News personality Laura Ingraham seemed to be bashing her colleagues for a “fake” story on Friday evening.
It would save a lot of time if the Media would just tell us what fake stories they will be announcing over the next six weeks, and when each story will be released
— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) September 5, 2020
The uncomfortable position the network is in was hilariously driven home by Pete Buttigieg on Friday evening.
Even if you don’t believe the multiple news organizations—including @FoxNews—that have confirmed these reports, believe your own eyes.
These comments are part of Donald Trump’s pattern of disrespect for the military since he faked an injury to get out of serving in Vietnam. pic.twitter.com/JwAR3URCT6
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) September 5, 2020
Chaos at Fox News as analysts refuse to believe the network’s reporting — because makes Trump look awful
Here is the Fox News reporting:
Oh
pic.twitter.com/VrybRJAmbt— Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) September 4, 2020
Two former sr Trump admin officials confirm .@JeffreyGoldberg reporting that President Trump disparaged veterans and did not want to drive to honor American war dead at Aisne-Marne Cemetery outside Paris.
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
This former official heard the President say about American veterans: "What's in it for them? They don't make any money." Source: "It was a character flaw of the President. He could not understand why someone would die for their country, not worth it."
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
Re: trip to mark 100th anniversary of WW I
Source: "The President was not in a good mood. Macron had said something that made him mad about American reliability and the need perhaps for a European army. He questioned why he had to go to two cemeteries. 'Why do I have to do two'?"
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
When asked IF the President could have driven to the Aisne-Marne Cemetery, this former official said confidently: "The President drives a lot. The other world leaders drove to the cemeteries. He just didn't want to go."
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
Regarding McCain, "The President just hated John McCain. He always asked, 'Why do you see him as a hero?" Two sources confirmed the President did not want flags lowered but others in the White House ordered them at half mast. There was a stand off and then the President relented.
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
Published on September 4, 2020 By Bob Brigham
President Donald J. Trump salutes U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael L. Howard. (DoD Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. James K. McCann)
Fox News has joined the Associated Press and The Washington Post in confirming shocking details from the bombshell report in The Atlantic on President Donald Trump’s contempt for American troops.
“The Atlantic Magazine is dying, like most magazines, so they make up a fake story in order to gain some relevance. Story already refuted, but this is what we are up against,” Trump claimed, falsely stating the story had been refuted.
But now Fox News is confirming details in a thread posted on Trump’s favorite social media platform:
Defend democracy. Click to invest in courageous progressive journalism today.
NEW, @JenGriffinFNC confirms former Trump admin official confirms details in The Atlantic story, including quotes about veterans. When the President spoke about the Vietnam War he said, “It was a stupid war. Anyone who went was a sucker.”
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) September 4, 2020
MORE from @JenGriffinFNC Regarding the President’s July 4th military parade planning, during a planning at White House after seeing the Bastille Day parade in 2017, the President said regarding the inclusion of “wounded guys” “that’s not a good look” “Americans don’t like that.”
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) September 4, 2020
Per @JenGriffinFNC, this is all acccording to a former senior Trump administration official who was in France travelling with the President in Nov 2018.
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) September 4, 2020
“…He questioned why he had to go to two cemeteries. ‘Why do I have to do two?’ His staff explained he could cancel, l but he was warned, ‘They (the press) are going to kill you for this’.” He (The President) was mad as a hornet when they did.” Per @JenGriffinFNC reporting
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) September 4, 2020
Fox News has joined the Associated Press and The Washington Post in confirming shocking details from the bombshell report in The Atlantic on President Donald Trump’s contempt for American troops.
“The Atlantic Magazine is dying, like most magazines, so they make up a fake story in order to gain some relevance. Story already refuted, but this is what we are up against,” Trump claimed, falsely stating the story had been refuted.
But now Fox News is confirming details in a thread posted on Trump’s favorite social media platform:
Defend democracy. Click to invest in courageous progressive journalism today.
NEW, @JenGriffinFNC confirms former Trump admin official confirms details in The Atlantic story, including quotes about veterans. When the President spoke about the Vietnam War he said, “It was a stupid war. Anyone who went was a sucker.”
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) September 4, 2020
MORE from @JenGriffinFNC Regarding the President’s July 4th military parade planning, during a planning at White House after seeing the Bastille Day parade in 2017, the President said regarding the inclusion of “wounded guys” “that’s not a good look” “Americans don’t like that.”
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) September 4, 2020
Per @JenGriffinFNC, this is all acccording to a former senior Trump administration official who was in France travelling with the President in Nov 2018.
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) September 4, 2020
“…He questioned why he had to go to two cemeteries. ‘Why do I have to do two?’ His staff explained he could cancel, l but he was warned, ‘They (the press) are going to kill you for this’.” He (The President) was mad as a hornet when they did.” Per @JenGriffinFNC reporting
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) September 4, 2020
Trump lashes out at 'slimeball reporter' amid furor over alleged war dead remarks
BY TAL AXELROD - 09/05/20
President Trump on Saturday lashed out at the journalist behind this week's explosive report that claimed he had disparaged slain American soldiers buried in France, calling the reporter a "slimeball."
Trump suggested in a pair of tweets that the author of the report, The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg, may have been working with "disgruntled people" intent on seeing him lose reelection. He compared the magazine story to the controversial dossier compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele in 2016, which alleged that Russia had compromising material on Trump.
“You work so hard for the military, from completely rebuilding a depleted mess that was left by OBiden, to fixing a broken V.A. and fighting for large scale military pay raises, and then a slimeball reporter, maybe working with disgruntled people, makes up such a horrible charge,” Trump tweeted without mentioning Goldberg by name.
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“This reminds me of the Dirty Dossier, which was pushed hard by John McCain, & then with a thud turned out to be a total fraud. So many other scams also. The Radical Far Left is VICIOUS, they will do or say anything to win. But they won’t, we will WIN, & have four great years!” Trump added.
....This reminds me of the Dirty Dossier, which was pushed hard by John McCain, & then with a thud turned out to be a total fraud. So many other scams also. The Radical Far Left is VICIOUS, they will do or say anything to win. But they won’t, we will WIN, & have four great years!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2020
Trump separately went after a Fox News reporter on Saturday morning, calling for her to be fired after she reported that former officials had confirmed key details of The Atlantic's story to her.
Goldberg serves as editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, and the magazine has stood by its story since it was published on Thursday.
Trump's latest broadside comes as the White House plays defense over the report, which alleged that Trump had called slain American soldiers buried at a French cemetery “losers” and “suckers.”
Goldberg reported that Trump decided to not go to a ceremony at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France in 2018 because he was worried that rain would dishevel his hair.
"Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers," Trump reportedly told aides.
Multiple news outlets have confirmed certain details of the initial report.
The story also said the president made disparaging remarks about the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and opposed lowering flags to half-staff following his death in 2018.
The president has vehemently denied the report, but he has continued to face intense criticism over it, with Democrats saying the story is further proof that he is not fit to serve as commander in chief.
Esper defends Trump amid fallen troops firestorm
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“If what is written in The Atlantic is true, it’s disgusting,” Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said Friday. “It affirms what most of us believe to be true, that Donald Trump is not fit to be the commander in chief.”
Several White House aides have come out to deny The Atlantic article, and Vice President Pence on Friday also dismissed it as an "anonymous smear job."
"If they really exist, if people really exist that would have said that, they’re low lifes and they’re liars," Trump told reporters on Thursday evening. "And I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more."
President Trump on Saturday lashed out at the journalist behind this week's explosive report that claimed he had disparaged slain American soldiers buried in France, calling the reporter a "slimeball."
Trump suggested in a pair of tweets that the author of the report, The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg, may have been working with "disgruntled people" intent on seeing him lose reelection. He compared the magazine story to the controversial dossier compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele in 2016, which alleged that Russia had compromising material on Trump.
“You work so hard for the military, from completely rebuilding a depleted mess that was left by OBiden, to fixing a broken V.A. and fighting for large scale military pay raises, and then a slimeball reporter, maybe working with disgruntled people, makes up such a horrible charge,” Trump tweeted without mentioning Goldberg by name.
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“This reminds me of the Dirty Dossier, which was pushed hard by John McCain, & then with a thud turned out to be a total fraud. So many other scams also. The Radical Far Left is VICIOUS, they will do or say anything to win. But they won’t, we will WIN, & have four great years!” Trump added.
....This reminds me of the Dirty Dossier, which was pushed hard by John McCain, & then with a thud turned out to be a total fraud. So many other scams also. The Radical Far Left is VICIOUS, they will do or say anything to win. But they won’t, we will WIN, & have four great years!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2020
Trump separately went after a Fox News reporter on Saturday morning, calling for her to be fired after she reported that former officials had confirmed key details of The Atlantic's story to her.
Goldberg serves as editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, and the magazine has stood by its story since it was published on Thursday.
Trump's latest broadside comes as the White House plays defense over the report, which alleged that Trump had called slain American soldiers buried at a French cemetery “losers” and “suckers.”
Goldberg reported that Trump decided to not go to a ceremony at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France in 2018 because he was worried that rain would dishevel his hair.
"Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers," Trump reportedly told aides.
Multiple news outlets have confirmed certain details of the initial report.
The story also said the president made disparaging remarks about the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and opposed lowering flags to half-staff following his death in 2018.
The president has vehemently denied the report, but he has continued to face intense criticism over it, with Democrats saying the story is further proof that he is not fit to serve as commander in chief.
Esper defends Trump amid fallen troops firestorm
Overnight Defense: Critics continue to swipe at Trump over his...
“If what is written in The Atlantic is true, it’s disgusting,” Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said Friday. “It affirms what most of us believe to be true, that Donald Trump is not fit to be the commander in chief.”
Several White House aides have come out to deny The Atlantic article, and Vice President Pence on Friday also dismissed it as an "anonymous smear job."
"If they really exist, if people really exist that would have said that, they’re low lifes and they’re liars," Trump told reporters on Thursday evening. "And I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more."
Trump attacks Fox News reporter after she backs up key details of Atlantic story
BY TAL AXELROD - 09/05/20
BY TAL AXELROD - 09/05/20
President Trump went after Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin after she backed up some details of a bombshell story from The Atlantic that said he had referred to slain American soldiers buried at a French cemetery as “losers” and “suckers.”
Trump shared an article late Friday from far-right outlet Breitbart News declaring that Griffin "Did Not Confirm 'Most Salacious' Part of Atlantic Story" after the reporter shared on the air that sources had confirmed to her certain key details of the magazine's story.
"All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment. @FoxNews is gone!" Trump declared in a tweet.
Jennifer Griffin of Fox News Did Not Confirm ‘Most Salacious‘ Part of Atlantic Story https://t.co/rUpbSWhHac via @BreitbartNews All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment. @FoxNews is gone!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2020
The rebuke came hours after Griffin, a national security correspondent for Fox News, reported that sources had confirmed key details of The Atlantic's report. Griffin said sources told her that Trump had said the Vietnam War was “stupid” and anyone who fought in it was a “sucker.”
Trump famously received a number of draft deferrals for the Vietnam War from a doctor who said he suffered from bone spurs.
Griffin, citing a former Trump administration official, reported that Trump "was not in a good mood" during his trip to France in 2018 and "questioned why he had to go to two cemeteries."
She also reported that Trump was adamant flags not be lowered to half-staff when the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a fierce critic of Trump, died in 2018.
Two former sr Trump admin officials confirm .@JeffreyGoldberg reporting that President Trump disparaged veterans and did not want to drive to honor American war dead at Aisne-Marne Cemetery outside Paris.— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
The Atlantic’s bombshell report, which was published Thursday, said Trump bailed on his appearance at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France in 2018 because he was worried that rain would tousle his hair.
"Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers," Trump allegedly told aides before canceling his trip to Belleau, France.
Trump and a number of White House aides have fiercely denied the report, though multiple news outlets have confirmed certain details.
“If they really exist, if people really exist that would have said that, they’re lowlifes and they’re liars. And I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews after a campaign stop in Pennsylvania on Thursday evening.
Trump has criticized Fox News at times over coverage he perceives as unfavorable, with the network drawing the president's ire after releasing polls showing Trump trailing Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden both nationally and in swing states.
“Do you notice that any time Fake News Suppression Polls are put out, like @FoxNews, the Stock Market goes DOWN. We are going to WIN!” Trump tweeted earlier this week.
Do you notice that any time Fake News Suppression Polls are put out, like @FoxNews, the Stock Market goes DOWN. We are going to WIN!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2020
Trump shared an article late Friday from far-right outlet Breitbart News declaring that Griffin "Did Not Confirm 'Most Salacious' Part of Atlantic Story" after the reporter shared on the air that sources had confirmed to her certain key details of the magazine's story.
"All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment. @FoxNews is gone!" Trump declared in a tweet.
Jennifer Griffin of Fox News Did Not Confirm ‘Most Salacious‘ Part of Atlantic Story https://t.co/rUpbSWhHac via @BreitbartNews All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment. @FoxNews is gone!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2020
The rebuke came hours after Griffin, a national security correspondent for Fox News, reported that sources had confirmed key details of The Atlantic's report. Griffin said sources told her that Trump had said the Vietnam War was “stupid” and anyone who fought in it was a “sucker.”
Trump famously received a number of draft deferrals for the Vietnam War from a doctor who said he suffered from bone spurs.
Griffin, citing a former Trump administration official, reported that Trump "was not in a good mood" during his trip to France in 2018 and "questioned why he had to go to two cemeteries."
She also reported that Trump was adamant flags not be lowered to half-staff when the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a fierce critic of Trump, died in 2018.
Two former sr Trump admin officials confirm .@JeffreyGoldberg reporting that President Trump disparaged veterans and did not want to drive to honor American war dead at Aisne-Marne Cemetery outside Paris.— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020
The Atlantic’s bombshell report, which was published Thursday, said Trump bailed on his appearance at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France in 2018 because he was worried that rain would tousle his hair.
"Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers," Trump allegedly told aides before canceling his trip to Belleau, France.
Trump and a number of White House aides have fiercely denied the report, though multiple news outlets have confirmed certain details.
“If they really exist, if people really exist that would have said that, they’re lowlifes and they’re liars. And I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews after a campaign stop in Pennsylvania on Thursday evening.
Trump has criticized Fox News at times over coverage he perceives as unfavorable, with the network drawing the president's ire after releasing polls showing Trump trailing Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden both nationally and in swing states.
“Do you notice that any time Fake News Suppression Polls are put out, like @FoxNews, the Stock Market goes DOWN. We are going to WIN!” Trump tweeted earlier this week.
Do you notice that any time Fake News Suppression Polls are put out, like @FoxNews, the Stock Market goes DOWN. We are going to WIN!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2020
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