WATCH: Trump’s Press Secretary Threatens Media In Chilling News Conference
“We’re Going To Hold The Press Accountable,” Sean Spicer Says
“This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration — period,” Trump White House press secretary claims https://t.co/ICcog0Ivxt
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) January 21, 2017
In a chilling news conference, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer blasted the media on Saturday for what he said were inaccurate reports about the size of the crowd at President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Speaking from the White House briefing room for the first time, Spicer claimed the many photographs indicating the crowd was significantly smaller than at President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration were intentionally framed to deceive people.Â
“This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration, period, both in person and around the globe,” Spicer said. “These attempts to lessen the enthusiasm of the inauguration are shameful and wrong.”Â
Spicer went on to say that Trump is committed to unifying the nation.Â
“This kind of dishonesty in the media … is making it more difficult,” he said. “There’s been a lot of talk in the media about the responsibility to hold Donald Trump accountable. I’m here to tell you that it goes two ways. We’re going to hold the press accounatable as well.”
8:46p last night, Spicer accepted Miller’s apology.
Twenty-one hours later, Spicer attacked Miller from the podium. pic.twitter.com/yCA1UM07DB
— Chris Geidner (@chrisgeidner) January 21, 2017
Spicer also attacked Time magazine’s Zeke Miller, a White House pool reporter, over an inaccurate tweet Friday suggesting that a bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had been removed from the Oval Office. Miller quickly corrected his report and profusely apologized for it — an apology that Spicer accepted (above). But that didn’t stop Spicer from ripping into Miller on Saturday, apparently at Trump’s behest, calling him “irresponsible and reckless.” Â
Spicer refused to take any questions. Video above, and reactions from Twitter below.Â
Wow. Sean Spicer walked to the podium. Unloaded on the media for bias. Accused reporters of dishonesty. Walked off without taking questions.
— Jay Rosen (@jayrosen_nyu) January 21, 2017
In all seriousness, what Sean Spicer said today was an unmitigated act of propaganda.
— Lauren Duca (@laurenduca) January 21, 2017
Spicer’s message: “We are in charge and don’t give a shit what you think. You are our punching bag.” Dominance display.
— Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) January 21, 2017
THAT WAS FUCKING INSANE. He just unleashes a tirade at the press, lies that it was the biggest inaugural ever, takes no questions. OMG
— Jesse Singal (@jessesingal) January 21, 2017
he lashes out, looks like a fool, and his already-awful approval rating sinks lower
— Eric Boehlert (@EricBoehlert) January 21, 2017
.@PressSec has officially declared: If you don’t report what we want you to report, there will be consequences. https://t.co/dNlFsUfQtM
— Robbie Medwed (@rjmedwed) January 21, 2017
“The President has a large penis. While there is no way to measure everyone’s penis size, the President has the biggest penis in history.”
— Will McAvoy (@WillMcAvoyACN) January 21, 2017
Every reporter knows Sean Spicer just bullshitted them. How they apply that knowledge to dealing with Spicer going forward is on them.
— Jamison Foser (@jamisonfoser) January 21, 2017
Crowd size may have been a big topic on the internet.. but it was not a focal point of the “media”.. Trump has guaranteed it will be now.
— Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) January 21, 2017
Sean Spicer lacks the guts or integrity to refuse orders to go out and lie. He is a failure in this job on his first full day.
— Brian Fallon (@brianefallon) January 21, 2017
I’ve run out of adjectives.
— Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) January 21, 2017
This is what happens when you’re the least popular new president in American history and lose the popular vote. https://t.co/8tzS14BFPf
— John Aravosis (@aravosis) January 21, 2017
That Inauguration was #gaslit.
— Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) January 21, 2017
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.