As has been the cause since Donald Trump took the oath of office, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer has clashed with the media. During his most recent press conference, tension continued as Spicer and members of the press were at odds over a variety of issues.
Spicer and the media
Since his first press conference in the White House just over a week ago, Sean Spicer has made a habit out of clashing with members of the news media. Following the lead of Donald Trump, other members of the administration, like Presidential Counsel Kellyanne Conway and Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, have also gotten into a war of words with the press.
Since Friday when Trump signed the executive order that has been labeled a "Muslim ban" by the media, the administration has been in damage control. As reported on January 31, Spicer once again had a heated exchange with reporters during his latest press conference, most notably with MSNBC.
WH Press Sec. Sean Spicer is asked about the Trump admin.'s use of the word "betrayal" to describe former acting AG https://t.co/cST2CWDZ4I
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 31, 2017
Taking a question from Kristin Welker of MSNBC, the issue of the aforementioned "Muslim ban" was presented. Welker cited a recent tweet by Donald Trump where he referred to the executive order as a "ban," forcing Sean Spicer to clarify. "There is clearly some confusion," Spicer said to Welker.
"Your network was one of the people who just hours ago said that Gen. Kelly was unaware of what was going on, and then moments later he gets on air and says 'this is how many times I have been briefed.'"
Going further, Sean Spicer went on to blame MSNBC, and other news networks, for alleged misinformation. "With all due respect, you have been part of the confusion," Spicer told Welker, before adding "You have helped cause this." At this point, other reporters chimed in, as Spicer traded blows with them, while continuing to defend the executive order in question.
When the conversation moved on to Trump's decision to fire acting Attorney General Sally Yates for refusing to enforce the alleged "Muslim ban," Spicer quickly defended the action.
Next up
The relationship between Donald Trump and his administration, and the news media doesn't appear to be getting better anytime soon. As the press continues to hold the billionaire real estate mogul's feet to the fire, it's expected that the tension will continue.
