These Are the Most Memorable Times Donald Trump Thinks the Media Completely Misunderstood Him
Donald Trump is perhaps the most controversial president ever. Whether it’s his tweets or his comments, it seems the media is always in a frenzy about whatever he’s said. But President Trump says he’s misunderstood by the media — do you believe he is? Click through to see situations in which he was slammed by the media, then read what he “really meant.” See if you think President Trump‘s comments were misunderstood — or if they were crystal clear.
1. Trump on Clinton
Hillary Clinton | Spencer Platt/Getty Images
What he said: According to Politico, in July 2016, Trump said, “I will tell you this, Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.” The media interpreted his comment as a call to Russia to mess with the U.S. election by hacking Clinton’s email.
What he meant: Initially, Trump’s camp said he was saying only that Russia should turn over any emails that it had. Later, however, Trump said he was only kidding. “Of course I’m being sarcastic,” said Trump. “They have no idea if it’s Russia, if it’s China, if it’s somebody else. Who knows who it is?”
Next: Shakin’ our heads
2. Trump on McCain
John McCain | Wakil Kohsar/AFP/Getty Images
What he said: When Trump accused Arizona Republican senator John McCain —during a 2015 candidate forum in Iowa — of not doing enough about illegal immigration, moderator Frank Luntz interrupted, according to USA Today. Lutz said McCain was held as a prisoner of war for five years, and Trump responded, “He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren’t captured, OK?”
What he meant: Later, after Trump dropped that bomb, he said, “I’m very disappointed in John McCain because the vets are horribly treated in this country. He also added that he has used his own money to help veterans, a remark that has has since come under scrutiny.
Next: What the bloody Hell?
3. Trump on Megyn Kelly
Megyn Kelly | Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
What he said: When Fox News host Megyn Kelly criticized Trump’s treatment of women, he said, “I think she’s highly overrated. She starts asking me all sorts of ridiculous questions, and you could see there was blood coming out of her eyes. Blood coming out of her wherever. She was, in my opinion, she was off-base.”
What he meant: Trump took to Twitter to clarify that he was talking about Kelly’s nose, according to USA Today. Later, he said that only a deviant would think otherwise.
Next: Trump really doesn’t like Clinton.
4. Trump on ‘Crooked Hillary’
Hillary Clinton | Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
What he said: Trump really took a lot of heat when he tweeted a pic of nominee Hilary Clinton, according to USA Today. The tweet also featured a picture of a six-pointed shape that looked like the Star of David — against a backdrop of $100 bills. The media jumped all over the image, accusing him of being anti-Semitic.
What he meant: Trump later said that it was not a Star of David, but instead a sheriff’s badge. He then blamed the media for making the connection. Fun fact: The image looked like it was taking an anti-Semetic internet message board.
Next: How low can you go?
5. Trump on Serge Kovaleski’s disability
Serge Kovaleski | Serge Kovaleski via Twitter
What he said: Trump didn’t like some comments Serge Kovaleski, a reporter at The New York Times, made in a story he wrote after 9/11. When he criticized the piece, he called out Kovaleski’s disability, a joint condition called arthogryposis that affects his movement. “You’ve got to see this guy,” Trump said at a rally — while he bent his wrists and jerked them around.
What he meant: Trump clarified his comment, according to USA Today. “I didn’t know what he looked like. I didn’t know he was disabled. I didn’t know it, I didn’t know it at all. I had no idea. So I started imitating somebody — I didn’t speak to the guy — somebody that was groveling. Everyone know what grovel is?”, said Trump.
Next: A seriously touchy subject
6. Trump on abortion
Trump speaks during the 11th annual Campaign for Life Gala | Alex Wong/Getty Images
What he said: Back in March 2016, Trump said, “There has to be some form of punishment” for women who have abortions, according to Politico.
What he meant: Trump claimed he misspoke when asked for his position on abortion. “I’m asked hundreds of questions a day … You multiply that by months and months and months, and every once in awhile, if you misspeak — I was very focused on the topic of the Catholic Church.” said Trump.
Next: Trump slams his predecessor
7. Trump on Obama
Trump and Obama shake hands. | Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images
What he said: In June 2016, Trump talked about Obama. “We’re led by a man who is a very — look, we’re led by a man that either is, is not tough, not smart, or he’s got something else in mind,” said Trump. Many thought Trump was indicating — by saying “something else in mind” — that Obama was in doing something nefarious.
What he meant: Trump said that the conclusion was ridiculous and that the media reporting on it was evidence that it was biased. He was so mad about a Washington Post piece on his remarks about Obama that he put the paper on his campaign’s media blacklist.
Next: Trump panders to the NRA?
8. Trump on the Orlando, Florida, nightclub attack
A sign outside Pulse nightclub. | Gerardo Mora/Getty Images
What he said: When the gay nightclub shooting occurred in Orlando, Florida, it left 49 dead and many injured. Trump incensed the media when he suggested the massacre could have been less severe if people in the club had been armed.
What he meant: Later, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre said, “I don’t think you should have firearms where people are drinking.” The next day, Trump tweeted that he was talking about security guards and employees, not the club’s customers.
Read more: These Are the Presidents Donald Trump Hates Most, Including Barack Obama
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