ABC’s George Stephanopoulos sat down with President Trump for an exclusive interview and talked to him about the 2020 race, what the polls mean and why America should reelect him.
But the comments about Russia and how he wouldn’t call the FBI if contacted by foreign governments offering information on political opponents is making headlines and causing quite a stir among Democrats and Republicans who are outspoken against the President.
“If somebody called from a country, Norway, and said ‘we have information on your opponent,’ I think I’d want to hear it.” said the President.
Stephanopoulos pressed him on the issue, saying “You want that kind of interference in our elections?” And then asked if he should call the FBI.
To which the President responded, “I’ll tell you what, I’ve seen a lot of things over my life. I don’t think in my whole life I’ve ever called the FBI. In my whole life. You don’t call the FBI. You throw somebody out of your office and do whatever you do.”
Democrats doubled down on impeachment talk after hearing the remarks, with many of the candidates running for President weighing in.
China is listening.
Russia is listening.
North Korea is listening.Let’s speak the truth: this president is a national security threat. https://t.co/wsPYTzq0u0
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 13, 2019
It’s time for Congress to begin impeachment hearings. https://t.co/yYG6oqHfCm
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) June 12, 2019
Some conservatives were also critical, saying members of the GOP were giving the President a pass on his comments because there’s an R next to his name.
The president says he would welcome information on an opponent from a foreign power and some of you filter that through the (R) next to his name, and treat it with nonchalance, when you would instantly have a problem if a (D) said the same. Try some consistency for a change.
— Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) June 13, 2019
Wray & Barr are right. Trump is wrong. His comments will be defended by some, but they’re not seriously defensible & if [Democrat X] said the same thing, the Right would erupt. Also, this type of answer is exactly why his job approval is ~10 pts lower than his economic approval. https://t.co/bBvwt7QyVg
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) June 13, 2019
The President responded to the outrage by tweeting that he meets with foreign governments everyday and “should I immediately call the FBI about these calls and meetings?”
….call the FBI about these calls and meetings? How ridiculous! I would never be trusted again. With that being said, my full answer is rarely played by the Fake News Media. They purposely leave out the part that matters.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2019