An interview with White House aide Sebastian Gorka ended on a petty note when MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle attempted to correct him after he said the Trump administration is “crushing” its objectives.
Asked if President Trump planned to remain in Washington to work during the usual August congressional recess, Gorka said he could potentially work from elsewhere.
“He doesn’t have to be sitting in the building behind me to exercise command, to exercise leadership,” he said. “He can do that anywhere. He can do that from the deck of Air Force One.
“So, it’s not about locality, it’s about leadership. And I think in the last 25 weeks, you’ve seen that leadership, from the Southern border, to NATO, to Warsaw, to the economy, to the stock market. We’re crushing it and he can do that from anywhere.”
As she wrapped up the exchange, Ruhle said, “Alright, well, the White House doesn’t ‘crush’ a stock market but I do appreciate your time —”
Gorka then interrupted.
“That’s a phrase,” he said. “It’s a common phrase. It means winning.”
“Thanks for helping me with a common phrase, ‘crushing it,'” Ruhle said, visibly irritated. “Appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome,” replied Gorka. “Any time.”
Relations between the White House and the news media have grown increasingly tense in recent weeks, as Trump has continued to call out “fake news” coverage that he deems unfair. Reporters and commentators have accused the administration of taking an unnecessarily hostile approach to the press.
