While Sarah Huckabee Sanders usually handles the press briefings at the White House by herself, she was joined on Thursday by Donald Trump, though it was only through a pre-recorded video message. As expected, critics of the administration had a lot to say about what took place.
Trump at the brief
Not long after Donald Trump was elected president, he decided on Sean Spicer to be his new press secretary which received a modest reaction from the media, with little to no serious criticism. Despite this, Spicer quickly came under fire for his questionable remarks and statements, so much so that he ended up being mocked on "Saturday Night Live" with Melissa McCarthy playing the role satirical role.
By the summer, Spicer was out and in his place was Sarah Huckabee Sanders, daughter of former Republican Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. Since that time, Sanders has also received criticism, with many in the media pointing out the factual inaccuracies that she's made at times. While that has been the case, Sanders has also stood her ground in defense of the president regardless of the issues that are presented. As reported by CBS News on January 4, Sanders was joined by the president via a video message, who was then mocked across social media.
WATCH LIVE: Pres. Trump comments on economic growth in video message at outset of White House press briefing https://t.co/TKkbVrqzOA pic.twitter.com/7ovh3qcy5S
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 4, 2018
To start off the briefing on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was joined by Donald Trump through the use of duel video screens that were placed on the left and right hand side of the podium.
Trump went on to brag about the current state of the economy, taking full credit for having helped pass the Tax Reform bill, while giving a shout out to companies who have handed out bonuses and raises to their employees.
Instant reaction
In response to the video message by Donald Trump, social media users wasted no time giving their thoughts.
"If the President wants to make an appearance in the briefing room in front of reporters he should walk in there. He's down the hall," MSNBC's Katy Tur tweeted out.
If the President wants to make an appearance in the briefing room in front of reporters he should walk in there. He's down the hall.
— Katy Tur (@KatyTurNBC) January 4, 2018
The great and powerful Oz has spoken?
— Dan Poignon (@dpoignon) January 4, 2018
What the hell was that? He is desperately trying to repair the damage of the last 24 hours. Bannon must be positively giddy.
— Marolan (@marolan) January 4, 2018
"Trump...who is like 50 feet away from the briefing room...opted to post a video statement shouting at the room of reporters...instead of just showing up himself," Angelo Carusone of Media Matters tweeted.
"The great and powerful Oz has spoken?" one tweet read with mockery.
Trump...who is like 50 feet away from the briefing room...opted to post a video statement shouting at the room of reporters...instead of just showing up himself.
— Angelo Carusone (@GoAngelo) January 4, 2018
"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain or on the screen. "The Grand Wizard of OZ" Trump is a GOP POS KKKUNT!
— Motley PR (@terrymotleypr) January 4, 2018
If @realDonaldTrump wasn't terrified of the Free Press (compounded by his lack of understanding of the many complex issues facing country & his inability to be truthful) he might actually have presented in person & taken questions like a legitimate leader with interest in his job
— Matt Rinehart (@MattRinehart2) January 4, 2018
"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain or on the screen.
"The Grand Wizard of OZ' Trump is a GOP POS KKKUNT!" another tweet added. "If @realDonaldTrump wasn't terrified of the Free Press (compounded by his lack of understanding of the many complex issues facing country & his inability to be truthful) he might actually have presented in person & taken questions like a legitimate leader with interest in his job." follow-up tweet stated.
