Wednesday was the day for the press to report on jokes by Republican leaders and administrative officials, and former Gen. John Kelly wasn’t exempt.
After delivering the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, President Trump was presented with a ceremonial officer’s saber.
When the president returned to his seat, Kelly, who is now Department of Homeland Security secretary, leaned over and cracked a joke that was caught on a hot mic.
“Use that on the press, sir,” Kelly quipped.
CNN, which is often the target of Trump’s wrath, recorded the exchange.
DHS chief caught on hot mic jokingly telling Trump to use his new ceremonial Coast Guard saber on the press https://t.co/39VLZbbZMT pic.twitter.com/F3hHriOqoI
— CNN (@CNN) May 18, 2017
During his address, Trump made reference to his ongoing battle his administration has been waging with news outlets, so Kelly’s joke, though unfortunate, was understandable.
The hot mic remark never approached the seriousness of former President Obama’s request, also picked up by a hot mic, that outgoing Russian president Dmitry Medvedev tell Vladimir Putin that he would be more flexible after the election. Media outlets nonetheless thought there was nothing to laugh about, and liberals were nonetheless incensed.
“While it appeared to be joke, the Trump administration’s threats against reporters have been no laughing matter,” the New York Daily News reported.
And outrage came pouring forth on social media.
@CNN Nah, he’d rather take them to 5th ave and shoot them.
— ? (@_tonyaspencer) May 18, 2017
@crewislife @JoeMyGod RT THIS! Did Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly just threaten the free press on a hot mic?!?
— J (@Womenspeakup) May 17, 2017
@BelichickThis @DHSgov And pandering. Embarrassing. This President is not protecting our nation.
— Kim D (@KimDHello) May 17, 2017
@SteveKopack That was the person responsible for the physical safety of the American People, which if I’m not mistaken includes the Press. Interesting
— Chaim Tzvi Kalish (@ctkalish) May 17, 2017
@SteveKopack Not use that on Russia…or even Syria. But the American press. Wow sad.
— AntonioJavar (@AntonioJavar) May 17, 2017
@CNN $5 bucks says he re-gifts it.
— Michael Cook (@Squad_Fifty_One) May 18, 2017
But finally one person offered this sage advice.
@CNN That’s funny. Everyone get a grip
— Steve Esack (@sesack) May 18, 2017
Also on Wednesday, The Washington Post took a nearly year-old joke made by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy out of context. It’s past time for liberals to get a life — and a sense of humor.
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