WATCH: Sean Spicer Repeatedly Refuses to Answer if Trump Will Hand Over Oval Office Tapes – Or if They Exist
‘The President’s Made It Clear What His Position Is’
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer appeared nervous, dismissive, tense, and terse when asked if President Donald Trump will hand over any and all recordings made in the Oval Office if they exist. Spicer would not even answer if they exist. Trump last week threatened Jim Comey, saying the fired former FBI Director had better hope there were no “tapes” of their conversations.
“Is the White House intending to cooperate with those requests and furnish that information as requested in writing?” one reporter asked Spicer, referring to written requests by several Democratic members of Congress.
“I think I made it clear last week that the president has nothing further on that,” a stern Sean Spicer responded.
“Does that mean the president will deny –” the same reporter continued, until Spicer interrupted her.
“I think I said – I was very clear – the President would have nothing further,” Spicer said.
Pressed if Trump would “defy the legislative branch’s request –” Spicer again interrupted.
“I made it clear what the president’s position is on that.”
Senators want Trump’s Comey tapes — if they exist. Will the WH comply?
Spicer: Trump “has nothing further on that” https://t.co/iQV2e6c4Eh
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) May 15, 2017
Minutes later, another reporter tried to get Spicer to answer.
Good Q @HallieJackson: WH won’t deny Trump is secretly recording conversations — how are people supposed to feel comfortable talking to him? pic.twitter.com/FKOVbNay88
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) May 15, 2017
“Why won’t you just explain whether or not here are recordings,” NBC News’ Hallie Jackson asked, point-blank.
“The president’s made it clear what his position is,” Spicer claimed.
“Given that you refuse to confirm or deny this how is any senior official supposed to go comfortable having a private conversation” in the Oval Office, she pressed.Â
“The president’s made it clear what his position is,” Spicer repeated.
“Even with these congressional lawmakers –”
“Hallie, I’ve answered the question over and over again in the same way,” Spicer said.
RELATED:
REPORT: Comey ‘Hopes’ Trump Taped Their Conversations
James Comey Will Reportedly Testify Before Congress After All (If It’s Public)
To comment on this article and other NCRM content, visit our Facebook page.
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.