(NewsNation) — A television network reporter who has written a bestselling book about the second Trump administration is offering insight into the president’s alternately hostile and friendly relationship with the media — at least as much as he can figure it out.
ABC News chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, author of “Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America,” tells “On Balance” on Thursday his professional relationship with Trump has been all over the road.
He said he talked frequently with Trump by phone last year as the Republican ran for a second term, until the candidate berated him on social media for the way he treated a GOP senator in an interview.
When Trump threatened to back out of ABC’s debate with Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, Karl said he texted Trump to sound him out. Karl did not receive an immediate reply.
“But he called me … it might have been three days later and acted like nothing had happened, almost like he was just like checking in. ‘Hey! So, how’re you doing? What are you hearing?’” Karl recalled.
In a similar vein, he said, Trump laid into him recently in the Oval Office after the correspondent asked him some questions he didn’t like. The president called him “a terrible reporter.”
In true Trump fashion, Karl said, the president motioned him over after the cameras left the room and told him, “No problem. We’re fine,” and laughed off the harsh remarks.
Trump is known to keep the lines of communication open with reporters after clashing with them. Karl said the president, a voracious consumer of news, appreciates members of the media who treat him respectfully.
“It’s a strange dynamic,” Karl said.
Go To Source | Author: Michael Ramsey
« Geno Smith battered by relentless Denver defense in Raiders’ 10-7 loss
Atlanta Falcons players to see video about Jesse Owens’ feats at 1936 Berlin Olympics »