Trump spreads debunked story about CNN cutting off Sanders for calling the network 'fake news'
President Donald Trump tweeted Sunday morning that "Bernie Sanders was cut off" of CNN "for using the term fake news to describe the network" - but CNN quickly responded that Sanders had used the term jokingly, and that he had not been cut off.
"They said technical difficulties!" Trump tweeted.
In the interview, Sanders had been responding to a video clip of Trump saying that he had not heard reports that national security adviser Michael Flynn had spoken with Russia about sanctions before the inauguration.
Anchor Erin Burnett asked Sanders if he thought it was a "problem" that Trump was not familiar with the reports.
Sanders responded: "Well, I don't know. Maybe he was watching CNN fake news. What do you think?"
Before the feed cut out and the network broke for commercials, Sanders said, "That was a joke." In response, Burnett said, "I know it was a joke."
CNN responded to Trump's tweet with a transcript of the interview.
@realDonaldTrump False. Transcript from @ErinBurnett intvu w @SenSanders. He was not cut off. Those are the facts. https://t.co/NzJNgdYSIX pic.twitter.com/AOFKLHUlGk
- CNN Communications (@CNNPR) February 12, 2017
From Michael Briggs, Senator Sanders' Communications Director: "The Senator was clearly joking" https://t.co/OzMj8pkTlv
- Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) February 12, 2017
Untrue. Sanders was *criticizing Trump* for calling CNN "fake news." You can see for yourself, all 11 minutes, here: https://t.co/qhtlb5Wo6Q https://t.co/AcwOiNHi0j
- Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 12, 2017
- I got a $40K raise using this 30-second strategy. It made me realize loud work, not hard work, always wins.
- Qatar Airways' new CEO explains why it's sticking with the Airbus A380 as other airlines retire the costly superjumbo
- Prince Harry and Meghan found out about Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis on TV like everyone else, report says
- Consuming excessive salt and inadequate potassium, protein is making North Indians prone to life-threatening diseases: Study
- Upcoming cars and two-wheelers launching in India in April 2024
- Ice melt in Antarctica and Greenland is slowing Earth's rotation, affecting timekeeping: Study
- Elections on a plate: Poll panels fix menu & expense ceiling for Samosa, tea, biryani & more
- Regenerative farming, cover crops will help farmers increase yields, reduce stubble burning: IDH CEO