Freedom of the (Russian) press https://t.co/GiA8Ml1VlY https://t.co/KtAHn7XCYv
— The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) May 11, 2017
During his visit to the Washington yesterday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov joked about the big news that had rocked American politics less than 24 hours prior. Meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Lavrov trolled the press corps by sarcastically asking if Comey was fired while exclaiming “you’re kidding.”
This afternoon, CNN anchor Jake Tapper took both the Russians and the White House to task for both the joke and how the Russian media was given deference during the White House visit. After noting that the only photos taken and released were from the Russian press — something the president has blamed on being tricked by the Russians — the CNN host touched on Russians taking advantage of Lavrov’s joke.
Pointing out that Lavrov told reporters that there was “no need” to talk about Russian election interference during the meeting because Trump has already called it “fake news,” Tapper highlighted the Russian foreign ministry’s official Twitter account sending out video of the Comey rib.
#Lavrov: Was FBI Director James Comey fired? You’re kidding! pic.twitter.com/5OXNKBF2QA
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) May 10, 2017
“The Russians are literally mocking the United States government and the American people right on camera in the nation’s capital,” Tapper said.
Interestingly enough, minutes after the CNN anchor pointed out how another country was laughing directly in America’s face, Trump took to Twitter to claim that Trump was indeed laughing at the US.
Russia must be laughing up their sleeves watching as the U.S. tears itself apart over a Democrat EXCUSE for losing the election.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 11, 2017
Was this in response to Tapper? Hmmmm…
Watch the clip above, via CNN.
[image via screengrab]
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Follow Justin Baragona on Twitter: @justinbaragona
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