President Trump doubled down on his tweet in which he called former FBI director James Comey “a leaker” following Comey’s testimony yesterday. The president took questions during a Rose Garden newser Friday afternoon President Klaus Iohannis of Romania.
As is standard, the president took two questions from the U.S. press. The first reporter called on was Dave Boyer of the Washington Times, who was caught off guard. “Come on, Dave,” said Trump. “Thank you, Mr. President. Apologies.” Boyer asked Trump why he feels vindicated by James Comey’s testimony. “No collusion, no obstruction. He’s a leaker,” said Trump.
The president then scanned the crowd before calling on the second U.S. reporter. “Should I take one of the killer networks that treat me so badly as fake news? Should I do that? Go ahead, Jon. Be fair, Jon.”
“Oh, absolutely,” said ABC’s Jon Karl.
“Remember how nice you used to be before I ran? Such a nice man,” said Trump.
“Always fair. Mr. President,” said Karl who asked:
Karl: I want to get back to James Comey’s testimony. You suggested he didn’t tell the truth in everything he said. He did say under oath that you told him to let the Flynn — you said you hoped the Flynn investigation, you could let go.
Trump: I didn’t say that.
Karl: So he lied about that?
Trump: Well, I didn’t say that. I will tell you, I didn’t say that.
Karl: And did he ask you to pledge…
Trump: And there would be nothing wrong if I did say it according to everybody that I’ve read today. But I did not say that.
Karl: He said those things under oath. Would you be willing to speak under oath and give your version of events?
Trump: 100%. I hardly know the man. I’m not going to say, ‘I want you to pledge allegiance.’ Who would ask a man to pledge allegiance under oath? Think of it. I hardly know the man. It doesn’t make sense. No, I didn’t say that and I didn’t say the other.
Karl: So if [special prosecutor] Robert Mueller wanted to speak to you about that…
Trump: I’d be happy to tell him what I just told you, Jon.
Karl: And you seem to hint that there are recordings of those conversations.
Trump: I’ll tell you about it over a short period of time. I’m not hinting at anything.
Karl: When will you tell us about the recordings?
Trump: Over a short period of time.
Other reporters then jumped in: “Are there tapes, sir?”
To which Trump responded, “Oh you’re going to be very disappointed when you hear the answer. Don’t worry.”
Pres. Trump to @jonkarl on Comey: "I hardly know the man. I’m not gonna say 'I want you to pledge allegiance.'" https://t.co/iSt3wlBUEX pic.twitter.com/PvnwKU5aIp
— ABC News (@ABC) June 9, 2017