On Monday, FBI Director James Comey appeared in front of the House Intelligence Committee in regards to the investigation into Russia's involvement in the 2016 presidential election. When Comey debunked Donald Trump's conspiracy that Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower, the media reacted in various ways.
Trump trouble
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump took to Twitter in an obvious attempt to deflect from the growing scandal involving his administration and Russia. By doing so, Trump tweeted a baseless allegation that former President Barack Obama was spying on him during the election, but has since never presented any credible proof to back up his claim.
After James Comey, speaking for both the FBI and Justice Department, confirmed that no evidence exists to validate the president's argument, the press was quick to report the bombshell news. As seen from multiple hosts on MSNBC and CNN on March 21, the way the hearing was covered is a bit different than from Fox News.
After the James Comey hearing, the majority of the hosts on Fox News attempted to downplay the news that the FBI was investigating whether or not Donald Trump's campaign was in collusion with Russia during the election, while also dismissing the wiretapping conspiracy. On Tuesday morning's edition of "Morning Joe" on MSNBC, hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski ripped into Trump and the Republican Party.
‘Shameful’: Scarborough Blasts House GOP in Comey Hearinghttps://t.co/QHourZHI1c pic.twitter.com/fhWhPKtj4B
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) March 21, 2017
"Obviously number one, Donald Trump was lying about Barack Obama," Joe Scarborough said, before adding, "We knew it, but now we got confirmation from the FBI and the Justice Department." Scarborough then added that "the FBI is investigating Donald Trump and his team," before blasting House Republicans for ignoring some of the most damaging information revealed about the president.
"It was one of the most shameful performances, at a time when America is at a turning point," he added.
Tapper strikes
On Twitter, the offical account for "Fox and Friends" sent out their own message about the hearings. "If you missed yesterday's congressional hearing with FBI Dir. James Comey, you didn't miss much...," the Fox News tweet noted.
If you missed yesterday's congressional hearing with FBI Dir. James Comey, you didn't miss much... pic.twitter.com/AnJdtWcGxK
— FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) March 21, 2017
False. Quite consequential. FBI confirmed it is investigating whether Trump campaign coordinated with Russia. https://t.co/ROcDGl4weP
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 21, 2017
In response, CNN Host Jake Tapper was quick to offer a clarification in response to Fox News' "Fox and Friends." "False. Quite consequential," Tapper tweeted, before adding, "FBI confirmed it is investigating whether Trump campaign coordinated with Russia."