President Donald Trump, traveling to Charleston Friday morning, addressed the response to his press conference the previous day and hinted at his thoughts on replacing his national security adviser in a series of tweets.
Going to Charleston, South Carolina, in order to spend time with Boeing and talk jobs! Look forward to it.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2017
Thank you for all of the nice statements on the Press Conference yesterday. Rush Limbaugh said one of greatest ever. Fake media not happy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2017
Trump had sought to play up his election victory and denounce several leaks from the White House and federal government in the news conference, countering media reports on the several setbacks that have rocked his nascent presidency. Among them: a judicial ruling against his travel ban, his Labor secretary nominee’s withdrawal from consideration and the firing of his national security adviser.
Even by Friday evening, Trump made clear reporting about the press conference was still on his mind.
"One of the most effective press conferences I've ever seen!" says Rush Limbaugh. Many agree.Yet FAKE MEDIA calls it differently! Dishonest
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2017
He also tweeted Friday evening that the media was the “enemy of the American people,” his latest in a string of outright attacks on the press.
Trump tweeted that he was evaluating four candidates for the now-vacant national security advisor position Friday:
General Keith Kellogg, who I have known for a long time, is very much in play for NSA - as are three others.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2017
Trump’s previous national security adviser, Michael Flynn, tendered his resignation from the job on Monday, after reports surfaced that he had improperly spoken with the Russian ambassador about sanctions and not disclosed those conversations to Vice President Mike Pence.
The administration then approached retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward to replace Flynn, but he declined, citing family commitments, though reports suggested that Harward was also concerned about the control he would have over his staff amid the tumult of Trump’s White House.
Kellogg is a retired Army lieutenant general — Trump did not disclose names or details of the other candidates he is considering for the role.
Trump also tweeted about the ongoing confirmation of his Cabinet, which he again blamed Democrats for delaying:
Despite the long delays by the Democrats in finally approving Dr. Tom Price, the repeal and replacement of ObamaCare is moving fast!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2017
He congratulated new Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt, who was confirmed by the Senate Friday. One Republican voted against Pruitt while two Democrats, both from coal-rich states, voted for him.
Congratulations to our new @EPA Administrator, Scott Pruitt! pic.twitter.com/TuZFWdrTmn
— President Trump (@POTUS) February 17, 2017
Comments