Donald Trump takes questions from reporters as he leaves for what he calls an all work trip to New Jersey. He addressed revoking John Brennan’s security clearance and who might be next on his list. He also talked about Turkey, the Manafort trial and more. Here is some of what he said.
On security clearance:
President Trump says he has gotten "a tremendous response" for revoking former CIA Director John Brennan's security clearance, adding that he's "never respected him" pic.twitter.com/G5HsfZoiEU
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) August 17, 2018
Pres. Trump denies he is attempting to silence his critics by revoking CIA Dir. John Brennan's security clearance and threatening to do so for other former intelligence officials. "If anything, I'm giving them a bigger voice," he tells @jonkarl. https://t.co/KaepW5v096 pic.twitter.com/PX1sHSXj9R
— ABC News (@ABC) August 17, 2018
WOW: From my colleague @Jordanfabian "President Trump on Friday said he is prepared to revoke the security clearance of Justice Department official Bruce Ohr, who has come under fire from the president for his role in the Russia probe."https://t.co/VOVug82Wsy
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) August 17, 2018
The Russia investigation:
“They should be looking at Bruce Ohr, and his wife, Nellie, for dealing with, by the way indirectly, Russians.
“They should be looking at Steele.
“They should be looking at all these FBI guys who got fired, and got demoted. … It is a rigged witch hunt,” Trump said.
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) August 17, 2018
Paul Manafort’s trial:
Asked whether he would pardon Manafort, Trump: “I don't talk about that now. I don't talk about that now.” https://t.co/DkEwVPmR9j
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 17, 2018
Trump not saying if he would pardon Manafort when he's asked … but sounds like he may. "I think the whole Manafort trial is very sad .. I think that's a very sad day for our country … I think it's very sad what they've done to Paul Manafort."
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) August 17, 2018
Turkey:
Pres. Trump: "Turkey has been a problem for a long time. They have not acted as a friend… They made up this phony charge that [U.S. Pastor Andrew Brunson is] a spy and he's not a spy…They should have given him back a long time ago." https://t.co/xnXRFbcBg3 pic.twitter.com/rJvGw16h1F
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) August 17, 2018
Watch what else he said above.