Sean Spicer Misleads While Citing Charles Krauthammer Supposedly Defending Trump
During today’s White House press briefing, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer cited Fox News’ Charles Krauthammer regarding the legality of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn speaking to Russia about sanctions prior to President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Explaining to reporters that the reason why Trump called on Flynn to resign last night was due to a level of trust rather than any potential legal issues, Spicer then quoted something Krauthammer supposedly said last night on Fox News.
“As Charles Krauthammer said last night, it is quote ‘perfectly reasonable for him to do so,'” Spicer noted, claiming Krauthammer agreed it was legal for Flynn to correspond with Russia on these matters prior to Trump taking office.
Watch the clip of Spicer making the comment directly below:
However, that isn’t exactly what he said.
Appearing on Special Report prior to the announcement of Flynn’s resignation, Krauthammer told host Bret Baier the following regarding his thoughts on Flynn’s actions.
“What strikes me is how bizarre the whole story is. This is a cover up without a crime. The idea that one should be all aghast because the incoming National Security Adviser spoke with the Russian ambassador and spoke about sanctions seems to me to be perfectly reasonable. The idea that it was illegal is preposterous.”
As you can see from the quote above, Krauthammer did not say what Spicer referenced, at least not how he quoted it. (There was no “for him to do so.”) Also, one can construe from the way Krauthammer framed his statement that he was merely giving his opinion on current law rather than giving specific advice or analysis.
Either way, it is apparent Spicer got the quote wrong.
Watch the clip of Krauthammer on Fox News in the clip at the top, via Fox News.
[image via screengrab]
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