Spicer Keeps Deflecting Questions About Secret White House Tapes
Sean Spicer refused to answer questions about whether or not President Trump is secretly recording private conversations inside the Oval Office during Monday’s press briefing despite the president hinting at taping conversations on Twitter.
“The president has nothing further to add on that,” the White House press secretary said repeatedly.
NBC News’ Hallie Jackson eventually asked, “Why won’t you just explain whether or not there are recordings?”
Also Read: MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' Argues Kellyanne Conway Actually Hates Trump (Video)
Spicer fired back, “The president has made it clear what his position is,” before Jackson followed up: “Given that you refuse to confirm or deny any of this, how is any senior official supposed to feel comfortable having a conversation privately with the president?”
“As I’ve said, Hallie, the president has made it clear what his position is,” Spicer said. “I’ve answered the question over and over again in the same way.”
Last week, President Trump warned recently-fired FBI Director James Comey not to leak to the press during a Twitter rant, hinting at “tapes” of their private conversations. On Saturday during an interview with Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, Trump mildly defended Spicer’s position as press secretary, saying, “He’s doing a good job but he gets beat up.”
Spicer, perhaps trying to please his boss, appeared annoyed-yet-subdued and pushed back at reporters on Monday.
Also Read: Trump Backs Sean Spicer: 'He's Doing a Good Job But He Gets Beat Up' (Video)
Twitter reaction to Spicer’s non-answer on the tapes was quick and harsh:
.@HallieJackson presses Spicer on tapes, asks how anyone can be comfortable discussing things privately with Trump. Spicer remains a clam. pic.twitter.com/kN3zCV1DLs
— Tommy Christopher (@tommyxtopher) May 15, 2017
It should go without saying that this charade is ridiculous. The public deserves to know if there are tapes.
— Olivia Nuzzi (@Olivianuzzi) May 15, 2017
It should be noted Spicer's claim that Trump has made his position on the tapes clear is false. Trump hasn't said anything beyond his Tweet.
— Olivia Nuzzi (@Olivianuzzi) May 15, 2017
Spicer refuses to say whether there are tapes or not
— Greta Van Susteren (@greta) May 15, 2017
.@Acosta as Spicer exits: "Where are the 'tapes,' Sean?!
— John T. Bennett (@BennettJohnT) May 15, 2017
every single WH reporter should be asking about the tapes so spicer says "i have nothing further" 500 times so we can make a supercut thx
— Mдтт Иegяiи (@MattNegrin) May 15, 2017
So the only options are: 1. Spicer didn't ask Trump if he's taping others. 2. He did ask but Trump won't say. 3. There are tapes.
— Cathleen Decker (@cathleendecker) May 15, 2017
Week two of Spicer not denying the White House has private tapes
— Shane Goldmacher (@ShaneGoldmacher) May 15, 2017
Press asked again about trump's claim/lie about "tapes".
Sean Spicer: "trump has nothing further on that."
Me: This WH is criminal.
— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) May 15, 2017
On the question of possible tapes, Spicer still repeating line that he has nothing further to add.
— Rosie Gray (@RosieGray) May 15, 2017
Spicer still refusing to add any information about whether POTUS tapes conversations
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) May 15, 2017
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