Video | In tweeted video meme, Trump depicts himself beating up CNN
Trump sets off furor by beating figure depicting news media
US President Donald Trump, who has revelled in his confrontational style with the news media, sparked fierce debate over whether he is inciting violence against journalists by posting a doctored video clip showing him bashing the head of a figure representing CNN.
The 10-year-old video, hailing back to Trump’s days as a guest celebrity at pro-wrestling events, came after a week in which his unrestrained Twitter attacks on two MSNBC talk show hosts drew widespread condemnation from members of both political parties.
The latest tweet was immediately condemned by journalists, who said Trump seemed to be promoting physical violence against the media, while a Republican lawmaker said the president was trying to “weaponise distrust” through his postings.
But administration officials insisted Trump has a right to respond to critical coverage.
In the 28-second video, Trump, in a suit and tie, is seen knocking down another man in a suit who is standing next to a wrestling ring. Trump repeatedly pummels the fallen man, whose face is covered by a superimposed CNN logo. A fake CNN logo then appears on the screen reading “FNN: Fraud News Network.”
