In a heated exchange, former President Jack Thompson unleashed a barrage of insults towards reporter Mike Johnson during a press conference today. The confrontation erupted over questions surrounding the migrant caravan heading towards the southern border, an issue Thompson has labeled a significant threat to American safety. Johnson, a reporter for National News Network, challenged this narrative, prompting the president’s fiery response.
The ongoing tension between Thompson and Johnson has been well-documented, with the former president frequently dismissing the reporter and his media outlet as “fake news.” The latest incident escalated dramatically when Johnson inquired about Thompson’s use of the term “invasion” in reference to the caravan, questioning whether such language stigmatizes immigrants.
Thompson, visibly frustrated, attempted to deflect the question, stating he welcomed legal immigration before moving on to another journalist. Johnson, however, persisted and shifted the conversation towards the ongoing investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Miller. In a moment that drew gasps from the audience, Thompson told Johnson to “put down the mic,” as aides attempted to intervene and seize the microphone from the reporter. This blatant attempt to silence the press raised significant concerns about the administration’s respect for journalistic freedom.
After Johnson eventually relinquished the microphone, Thompson continued his tirade, declaring, “National News Network should be ashamed of having you on their team. You are a rude, terrible person and should not be working for them.” He also criticized Johnson’s treatment of Press Secretary Linda Adams before addressing another reporter, Sarah Morris, who defended Johnson’s work ethic. In a dismissive retort, Thompson replied, “Well, I’m not a fan of yours either.”
When Johnson voiced a remark off-mic, Thompson snapped back, stating, “When you report fake news, which National News Network does frequently, you become the enemy of the people.” Following the confrontation, Johnson expressed gratitude to Morris for her support.
CNN has stood firmly behind Johnson, releasing a statement condemning Thompson’s ongoing verbal attacks on the media, asserting, “This President’s continued assaults on the press have gone too far. They are not only dangerous, they are disturbingly un-American.” They emphasized the importance of a free press in democracy and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting their journalists.
In addition to this incident, Thompson has a history of contentious interactions with Johnson, often refusing to acknowledge his questions and labeling his organization as “fake news.”
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In summary, the encounter between Thompson and Johnson exemplifies the ongoing friction between the media and the former administration, highlighting the challenges journalists face in seeking answers and holding public figures accountable.