At the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse, a hot mic incident caught two journalists making inappropriate jokes referencing the assassination of President Trump as they awaited his arrival on Tuesday. The incident occurred as news teams set up their equipment along the expected route from the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia.
Trump is scheduled to appear before the DC Circuit Court of Appeals following District Judge Tanya Chutkan’s decision not to dismiss two motions invoking First Amendment protections and presidential immunity. Trump’s legal team argues that he has immunity from federal prosecution for alleged offenses committed during his tenure as US President.
While positioned to capture Trump’s entrance, reporters inadvertently had their conversation captured on a live news feed from AP. Their discussion shifted swiftly from challenges in photographing the former president to making inappropriate remarks.
Transcription of the exchange was provided by Mediaite:
Journo 1: “You know what the worst part is? Even if he has his window open and he’s hanging out of it, he will be on the other side of the street.”
Journo 2: “I mean, if he’s driving, we’ve got a good shot!”
Journo 1: “Yeah, if he’s driving with the front window open?”
Journo 2: “Yeah, or if it’s a convertible?”
Journo 1: “Yeah. I wasn’t thinking about that.”
Journo 2: “Yeah. Like if he just pulls up–”
Journo 1: “Like JFK?”
Journo 2: (laughs)
Journo 1: “Maybe someone, just like they told JFK. You know what you should do? You should take a convertible! It’s so nice out!”
Listen:
“Maybe someone, just like they told JFK. You know what you should do? You should take a convertible! It’s so nice out!”
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) January 9, 2024
A hot mic caught journalists joking about Donald Trump being assassinated pic.twitter.com/seNlqi5ECZ
