Spicer: Trump Warning Comey About ‘Tapes’ Is ‘Not A Threat’

White House Press secretary Sean Spicer speaks to the media during the daily briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, Monday, April 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
White House Press secretary Sean Spicer speaks to the media during the daily briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, April 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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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.

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Notable Replies

  1. Avatar for danf danf says:

    Added Mr. Spicer, “Did you hear it? Just now that faint murmur? That was the last piece of my soul finally dying. I thought it was all gone before, but nope. There was a hanger on. Whew! That’s a load off. Next question.”

  2. Avatar for pshah pshah says:

    This is not going away much as Spicer would like it to. Probably Trump’s most malignant tweet since accusing Obama of wiretapping. Violates not just the usual mores in Washington, but crosses the line into thuggery and obstruction.

    Really looking forward to Melissa McCarthy’s interpretation, hopefully, tomorrow night.

  3. Trapped by a double negative, Spicer finally says something true ““I don’t think that’s — that’s not a threat.”

  4. Avatar for sanni sanni says:

    Spicey Trumpworld where a “Warning” from the President does not mean a Threat.

    Especially not a threat when the president appears to be attempting to take control of the FBI - and is threatening the just fired FBI director.

    Welcome back, Sean. We missed you. Just kidding, we didn’t miss you. Hope the shrubbery treated you well and visa versa.

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