White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Friday denied that President Donald Trump threatened ousted FBI Director James Comey when he wrote on Twitter: “James Comey better hope that there are no ‘tapes’ of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!”
Trump abruptly fired Comey on Tuesday.
“Did President Trump record his conversations with former FBI Director Comey?” Reuters’ Jeff Mason asked at the top of Friday’s daily press briefing.
“I assume you’re referring to the tweet,” Spicer said. “And I’ve talked to the President. The President has nothing further to add on that.”
“Why did he say that? Why did he tweet that? What should we interpret from that?” Mason asked.
“As I mentioned, the President has nothing further to add on that,” Spicer responded.
“Are there recording devices in the Oval Office, or in the residence?” Mason asked.
Spicer said again: “As I’ve said, for the third time, there is nothing further to add on that.”
“Does he think it’s appropriate to threaten someone like Mr. Comey not to speak?” Mason asked.
“I don’t think that’s — that’s not a threat. He simply stated a fact. The tweet speaks for itself. I’m moving on,” Spicer said.