Media

CNN Defends Conservative Journos From Unfair Attacks At Press Briefing

MSNBC

Amber Athey Podcast Columnist
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Several liberal journalists were chafed that President Donald Trump called on conservative media at a Friday press conference, but their attacks were so unfair that even CNN chimed in to defend the conservative reporters

Trump held a joint press conference with Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull on Friday, and his first question went to Trey Yingst, the White House correspondent for One America News Network.

Ruth Marcus of The Washington Post angrily tweeted that she couldn’t believe Trump dared to call on a conservative news outlet.

Trump gave the last question to Gabby Morrongiello of the Washington Examiner, prompting more criticism from MSNBC anchor Ali Velshi.

“Aaaand the President’s final question…from the conservative Washington Examiner,” Velshi tweeted. “Wow. Even the most basic elements of accountability are shed by this administration.”

Collectively, the two journalists asked about Syria, gun policy recommendations after the Parkland shooting, Jared Kushner’s security clearance and Australia’s gun buyback program.

Journalists on Twitter quickly jumped to Yingst and Morrongiello’s defense, pointing out that they both asked tough, relevant questions.

“Did you even listen to their questions?” CBS’ Katie Watson asked Velshi.

Even Phil Mattingly and Brian Stelter, both from CNN, went to bat for Yingst, although Stelter did so with a dig at OAN’s size.

“Trey Yingst is a good journalist period,” The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs affirmed.

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