CNN says it’s boycotting the annual White House Christmas party for the media this Friday, citing President Trump’s “continued attacks on freedom of the press.”
“CNN will not be attending this year’s White House Christmas party,” a CNN spokesperson told Politico on Tuesday. “In light of the President’s continued attacks on freedom of the press and CNN, we do not feel it is appropriate to celebrate with him as his invited guests.
“We will send a White House reporting team to the event and report on it if news warrants,” the statement added.
The White House didn’t appear too shaken up over the snub. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders retweeted Politico’s report, writing, “Christmas comes early! Finally, good news from @CNN.”
Christmas comes early! Finally, good news from @CNN. https://t.co/3GeJysIol3
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) November 29, 2017
Mr. Trump retweeted Mrs. Huckabee Sanders on Wednesday morning with a message of his own.
“Great, and we should boycott Fake News CNN. Dealing with them is a total waste of time!” he wrote.
Great, and we should boycott Fake News CNN. Dealing with them is a total waste of time! https://t.co/8zJ3j7g5el
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2017
Mr. Trump has repeatedly blasted CNN as “fake news” while in office. Just Monday he tweeted, “We should have a contest as to which of the Networks, plus CNN and not including Fox, is the most dishonest, corrupt and/or distorted in its political coverage of your favorite President (me). They are all bad. Winner to receive the FAKE NEWS TROPHY!”
We should have a contest as to which of the Networks, plus CNN and not including Fox, is the most dishonest, corrupt and/or distorted in its political coverage of your favorite President (me). They are all bad. Winner to receive the FAKE NEWS TROPHY!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2017
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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