In a recent statement, Donald Trump expressed that ‘fake news’ journalists should be shielded from violence, emphasizing the importance of media safety. Watch the video and explore his remarks on press freedom and security.
U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump stated that he would not be concerned if an attempted assassin targeted the “fake news” reporters covering his events.
Trump has had ongoing tensions with major American news outlets and has already survived an assassination attempt during the campaign. Earlier this year, a pro-Ukraine activist was arrested for allegedly planning to shoot the former president near his golf course.
At a campaign rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania on Sunday, just two days before the US election, Trump commented on the gaps present in the bullet-proof glass surrounding him. He pointed out that some reporters had a clear view through one of these openings during his speech.
Trump remarked, “I’ve got a piece of glass over here, but there’s none there. What we do have is the fake news.” He added humorously that someone would need to shoot through this ‘fake news’ barrier to reach him, quipping lightly that he doesn’t mind it at all. His comments drew laughter from the audience.
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At the same rally, Trump criticized news organizations for being filled with “seriously corrupt people.” He specifically mentioned ABC, CBS, and NBC. Addressing his supporters, he remarked that “the media is so damn bad. It’s unbelievable.”
In response to online backlash, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung clarified that the Republican nominee’s comments were not related to any harm towards the media or anything of a similar nature.
“It was concerning threats directed at him, incited by hazardous rhetoric from Democrats,” Cheung stated. He argued that Trump suggested reporters covering his events “should have had a protective glass shield as well.”
In July, Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a gunman fired shots at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Later, in September, authorities apprehended another potential assassin who had been hiding with a rifle at Trump’s golf course in Florida.
Trump has frequently claimed that media outlets are biased and have spread falsehoods about him and his presidential record. He has faced accusations of incitement, with recent critiques focusing on his characterization of political opponents as the “enemy from within.”
