Jake Tapper Smacks Down New Trump Tweets on Otto Warmbier Comments: ‘There’s No Misinterpretation’

CNN’s Jake Tapper smacked down the excuse President Donald Trump tweeted out Friday for why he is not blaming Kim Jong Un directly for the death of Otto Warmbier.

After the president’s remarks, Warmbier’s parents said in a statement, “We have been respectful during this summit process. Now we must speak out. Kim and his evil regime are responsible for the death of our son Otto. Kim and his evil regime are responsible for unimaginable cruelty and inhumanity. No excuses or lavish praise can change that. Thank you.”

The president tweeted this afternoon that he “of course” holds North Korea responsible, claimed he was “misinterpreted,” and touted that he “got Otto out.”

I never like being misinterpreted, but especially when it comes to Otto Warmbier and his great family. Remember, I got Otto out along with three others. The previous Administration did nothing, and he was taken on their watch. Of course I hold North Korea responsible….

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 1, 2019

….for Otto’s mistreatment and death. Most important, Otto Warmbier will not have died in vain. Otto and his family have become a tremendous symbol of strong passion and strength, which will last for many years into the future. I love Otto and think of him often!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 1, 2019

CNN White House correspondent Boris Sanchezread those tweets on air this afternoon and Tapper added, “There’s no misinterpretation here. It’s very clear. The Warmbiers say that Kim is responsible, along with North Korea, and President Trump says he takes Kim at his word that he wasn’t.”

You can watch above, via CNN.

[image via screengrab]

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