Donald Trump’s press conference was a disaster on many levels and did nothing to stabilize a White House reeling from public defeats and resignations, and mired in a growing scandal that threatens national security.
1: Trump lied about his campaign staff talking with Russian interests during the election, as Russia was stealing documents to aid his campaign.
Trump: “Nobody that I know of” from his campaign was in contact with Russia.
Fact: New York Times: Trump Campaign Aides Had Repeated Contacts With Russian Intelligence & CNN: Trump aides were in constant touch with senior Russian officials during campaign
2: Trump lied about the accuracy of the news reports on his Administration’s ties to Russia and potentially illegal act that forced the resignation of his National Security Advisor.
Trump: “The leaks are absolutely real. The news is fake”
Fact: The news about Trump’s conflicts with Russia can’t be fake if the leaks are real.
3: Trump lied about his own connections to Russian interests.
Trump: “I can tell you for myself, I own nothing in Russia, I have no loans in Russia, I don’t have any deals in Russia.”
Fact: CNN: “These are Trump’s ties to Russia” & USA Today: “Donald Trump’s ties to Russia go back 30 years”
4: Trump said he would have directed Michael Flynn to speak with Russia about lifting sanctions before Trump took office, a potentially illegal action.
Trump: “What [Flynn] did wasn’t wrong” and “I would have directed him” to do it.
5: Trump would not answer if he would respond to Russian acts of aggression – here, here and here.
Question: “Can we conclude there will be no response to these provocations?”
Trump: “I don’t have to tell you.”
Published: Feb 16, 2017