President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticised ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce, describing her as a “terrible reporter” and threatened the network’s broadcasting licence following her questions at the White House, AFP reports.
Bruce was among reporters granted access to the Oval Office during a meeting with President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. She asked the President whether it was appropriate for his family to conduct business in Saudi Arabia while he held office.
Before Trump could respond, Bruce addressed the Saudi leader, asking: “Your Royal Highness, the U.S. intelligence concluded that you orchestrated the brutal murder of a journalist. 9/11 families are furious that you are here in the Oval Office. Why should Americans trust you?”
President Trump dismissed U.S. intelligence findings implicating the Crown Prince in the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, calling Khashoggi unpopular and defending his family’s business dealings in Saudi Arabia. Prince Mohammed described Khashoggi’s death as “painful” and a “huge mistake.”
Trump later criticised Bruce for asking questions about Jeffrey Epstein’s correspondence, calling her questions “horrible” and “insubordinate.” He suggested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) review ABC News’ licence, claiming the network presented biased coverage against him.
ABC News did not immediately comment on the President’s remarks. Bloomberg News also responded to similar comments by Trump regarding its reporter Catherine Lucey, reaffirming the role of journalists in asking questions without fear or favour.
