Over the weekend, President Trump took what was reported as an unscheduled trip to Walter Reed. The White House said that Trump wanted to get an early jump on his annual physical because in 2020 he would be incredibly busy. In a tweet, Trump said just that, and provided one more detail:
Visited a great family of a young man under major surgery at the amazing Walter Reed Medical Center. Those are truly some of the best doctors anywhere in the world. Also began phase one of my yearly physical. Everything very good (great!). Will complete next year.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 17, 2019
But CNN media janitor Brian Stelter isn’t buying it — not for one second:
It's times like these when the White House really needs to have credibility. Times like these – when the president suddenly turns up at Walter Reed military hospital. Here's what I said on @ReliableSources pic.twitter.com/ymcyo07C7D
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 17, 2019
Stelter says he’s skeptical of anything the Trump White House says without realizing how many people are skeptical of anything reported on CNN. In any case, Stelter continued:
Hopefully all is well with the president. Hopefully the White House is telling the whole truth about his doctor's visit. But this W.H. gives us new reasons to distrust it almost every day. So skepticism is not just understandable – it's necessary.
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 17, 2019
New reporting from @JDiamond1: Trump's visit to Walter Reed "did not follow the protocol of a routine presidential medical exam, according to a person familiar with the matter. Medical staff at Walter Reed did not get a staff-wide notice…"https://t.co/FouPXDDRis
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 17, 2019
This White House squandered much of its credibility at the very beginning of Trump's tenure. And hasn't regained it by any stretch. So we can't cover these stories like this is business as usual. This is not business as usual… pic.twitter.com/ymcyo07C7D
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 17, 2019
White House press secretary Stephane Grisham has slammed “journalists” who are merely churning the rumor mill:
Seems to be a lot more fun for people/some reporters to speculate & spread irresponsible/dangerous rumors. He spent time w medical staff & a military family after the checkup…& I believe the pool reported seeing him walk into the WH upon return….but details. https://t.co/mPcoOlogUI
— Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 17, 2019
We’re guessing that won’t stop Stelter from speculating like crazy:
you need a hug? https://t.co/rbJRvwTpNy
— DaveinTexas (@DaveinTexas) November 17, 2019
And yet you didn’t cover the biggest media story last week (the @abc Epstein cover up) because it didn’t fit your narrative… https://t.co/F9KlERoGJX
— RightMakesRight (@RightMakesRight) November 17, 2019
Times like these we need credibility from our news sources. Try working on that nimrod
— Chris (@CoachV79) November 17, 2019
This is why credibility is so important…now here's Dan Rather. ??????
— Michael Dainton (@huskermikeohio) November 17, 2019
And yet the incredible irony always escapes CNN.
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