Donald Trump has once again pulled his favourite trick when faced with a tough question — questioning the reporter’s credibility.
On Monday, Trump was speaking to reporters about the imminent release of 80,000 unredacted files related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy. But when an NBC journalist pressed him about his criticism of Joe Biden’s use of an autopen, Trump wasn’t having it.
“Yeah, Only for Unimportant Papers”
The reporter asked Trump directly:
“You’ve criticised President Biden for using an autopen. Have you ever used one yourself?”
Trump’s response? A classic contradiction.
“Yeah, only for very unimportant papers,” he said. Then, without skipping a beat, he added, “And I don’t call them unimportant.”
He explained that he uses an autopen for signing letters and routine documents when he’s busy, but claimed Biden’s use of it was “terrible.”
“Who Are You With?” – Trump’s Evasive Move
When the journalist tried to follow up, Trump cut them off:
“Who are you with?”
“NBC News,” the reporter replied.
That’s when Trump went full attack mode.
“I don’t want to talk to NBC anymore. I think you’re so discredited.”
He then waved off the question and moved on — classic Trump.
Trump Fuels Right-Wing Narratives
Trump has been pushing the idea that Biden’s use of an autopen means he’s mentally unfit. He’s even claimed, without evidence, that Biden may have signed official papers without realising it.
In a late-night social media rant on Sunday, Trump used this theory to suggest he could nullify Biden’s pardons. However, legal experts have already cast doubt on whether that’s even possible.
A Pattern of Deflection
This isn’t a one-off. Trump has recently made a habit of asking reporters where they’re from before deciding whether to engage. If it’s a network he doesn’t like, he dismisses them outright.
Just last week, Trump called NBC “one of the worst networks on television.” The reporter quickly reminded him of his long-running connection with NBC through The Apprentice — but that didn’t seem to matter.
What’s Next?
Trump’s media tactics are nothing new, but they seem to be ramping up as the 2024 election campaign heats up. Expect more questions — and more deflections — in the months ahead.
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