Trump Criticizes ABC News After Oval Office Exchange

During a recent Oval Office exchange, President Trump expressed his desire for ABC News to lose its broadcasting license. This call to action was sparked by questions from ABC reporter Mary Bruce, particularly regarding the Trump family’s business dealings with Saudi Arabia and whether they posed any conflict of interest.

In addition, Bruce used the occasion of Trump’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to inquire about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which has been linked to the crown prince by U.S. intelligence agencies.

Trump responded emphatically, stating, “The people are wise to your falsehoods,” and criticized ABC as “one of the perpetrators.” He remarked on the network’s credibility, saying, “Your news is so fake and so wrong that it should be stripped of its license by the ABC.”

Despite his frustration, he addressed the questions, asserting that he has distanced himself from the Trump Organization’s overseas business decisions. “I have nothing to do with the family business,” he clarified. “I left home and devoted 100% of my energy to running this country.” He added that his family’s business in Saudi Arabia is minimal and generally positive.

On the topic of Khashoggi’s murder, Trump defended the crown prince, describing him as a “very controversial person” and suggesting that he may not have been aware of the events surrounding the incident. “So, let’s just leave it at that?” he concluded, emphasizing that some questions should not be asked in front of guests.

Bruce additionally questioned Trump about the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein case, pointing out his request for Congress to release Epstein’s files instead of his own. Trump dismissed her questions as “fake news,” expressing his view that the real issue was not the inquiry itself but Bruce’s delivery.

He bluntly critiqued her reporting, stating, “I think you’re a terrible reporter. This is the way you ask questions.”

Mary Bruce serves as the chief White House correspondent for ABC News. The network did not provide comments following the exchange.