Stefanik: ‘Shame on CNN’ for Claiming Trump Called for Genocide

Rep. Elise Stefanik Defends Trump on CNN

During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) came to the defense of President Donald Trump, stating that he did not advocate for genocide and criticizing CNN for making that claim.

Host Jake Tapper asked her, “What did you think when President Trump threatened to wipe out the entire civilization of Iran?”

Stefanik responded, “He was focused on the Iranian regime. And what did it do? It brought the Iranians to the table. That led to the ceasefire. I know President Trump can be very strong in his tweets, but they were aimed at the Iranian regime of terror.”

Tapper noted, “He said the entire civilization would perish.”

In response, Stefanik maintained, “He was talking about the terrorist regime in Iran. And, Jake, isn’t it true that it did bring the Iranians to the negotiating table?”

Tapper seemed uncertain and replied, “I don’t know.”

Stefanik continued, “The ceasefire agreement has been in place for days, and President Trump was right to condemn the terrorist regime in Iran that supports Hamas and Hezbollah.”

She added, “The focus was on the terrorist regime. It was an effective means to engage Iran. They lack leverage, and honestly, peace in the Middle East will be impossible as long as Iranian terrorists are active.”

She asserted, “President Trump did not call for genocide. You’re putting those words in his mouth, Jake. He’s practicing back-and-forth diplomacy.”

Tapper reiterated, “Your entire civilization will perish.”

Stefanik replied, “This is a regime of terror, Jake. He’s targeting terrorists.”

Tapper countered, “You’re altering his words.”

Stefanik responded, “We’re committing genocide,” to which Tapper asked, “What is destroying entire civilizations?”

In her defense, she stated, “This is classic CNN. If you want to compare America to college presidents who failed to denounce the genocide of Jews, that’s your take, Jake. The world saw the moral ambiguity of those college presidents.”

Tapper interjected, “I’m not defending anything. I’m saying it’s all bad. Whether it’s the individuals on college campuses, or President Trump, calling for genocide or the eradication of civilizations is wrong.”