Here's what's making headlines in the political world on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018:
Trump continues to blast Woodward book
-- President Trump said he is “literally the exact opposite” of how he is being portrayed in an upcoming book written by famed journalist Bob Woodward.
In a tweet Wednesday morning, the president said: “Isn’t it a shame that someone can write an article or book, totally make up stories and form a picture of a person that is literally the exact opposite of the fact, and get away with it without retribution or cost. Don’t know why Washington politicians don’t change libel laws?”
Isn’t it a shame that someone can write an article or book, totally make up stories and form a picture of a person that is literally the exact opposite of the fact, and get away with it without retribution or cost. Don’t know why Washington politicians don’t change libel laws?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2018
The day before, the president attacked Woodward’s reporting on Twitter: “The Woodward book has already been refuted and discredited by General (Secretary of Defense) James Mattis and General (Chief of Staff) John Kelly. Their quotes were made up frauds, a con on the public. Likewise other stories and quotes. Woodward is a Dem operative? Notice timing? The already discredited Woodward book, so many lies and phony sources, has me calling Jeff Sessions “mentally retarded” and “a dumb southerner.” I said NEITHER, never used those terms on anyone, including Jeff, and being a southerner is a GREAT thing. He made this up to divide!”
The Woodward book has already been refuted and discredited by General (Secretary of Defense) James Mattis and General (Chief of Staff) John Kelly. Their quotes were made up frauds, a con on the public. Likewise other stories and quotes. Woodward is a Dem operative? Notice timing?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2018
The already discredited Woodward book, so many lies and phony sources, has me calling Jeff Sessions “mentally retarded” and “a dumb southerner.” I said NEITHER, never used those terms on anyone, including Jeff, and being a southerner is a GREAT thing. He made this up to divide!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2018
Trump and other White House staffers have been on the defensive in the past few days as excerpts and passages from Woodward’s book “Fear: Trump in the White House” made their way into the media.
The longtime Washington Post reporter is known as one of the main figures in the downfall of the Nixon presidency. Woodward used hours of confidential interviews with various sources in the president’s inner circle and other files and documents to put together the book, which is due out on Sept. 11.
In the book, several of Trump’s advisers viewed the president as a danger to national security and expressed concerned about his behavior.
Woodward wrote that Chief of Staff John Kelly described Trump as an “idiot” and “unhinged,” while Secretary of Defense James Mattis described the president as having the understanding of “a fifth or sixth grader.”
Kelly and Mattis both issued statements blasting the book as pure fiction.
Statement from White House Chief of Staff, General John Kelly: pic.twitter.com/LUN8cDr3N5
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2018
Statement from Secretary of Defense, James Mattis: pic.twitter.com/OneaxKCneV
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2018
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told ABC News the book is nothing but “fabricated stories.”
For his part, Woodward said he stands by his reporting in the book.
Trump: Nike getting "killed" over Kaepernick ad campaign
-- President Trump says athletic apparel giant Nike is suffering for its new ad campaign that features former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
In a tweet Wednesday, the president said: “Just like the NFL, whose ratings have gone WAY DOWN, Nike is getting absolutely killed with anger and boycotts. I wonder if they had any idea that it would be this way? As far as the NFL is concerned, I just find it hard to watch, and always will, until they stand for the FLAG!”
Just like the NFL, whose ratings have gone WAY DOWN, Nike is getting absolutely killed with anger and boycotts. I wonder if they had any idea that it would be this way? As far as the NFL is concerned, I just find it hard to watch, and always will, until they stand for the FLAG!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2018
The president’s comment comes a day after Nike stock tumbled slightly in the midst of a solid year.
Over the Labor Day weekend, Nike unveiled its latest marketing campaign that celebrates the company’s “Just Do It” slogan and focuses on several high-profile athletes with specific messages.
Kaepernick, who famously began taking a knee during the National Anthem before games in 2016, has the message “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.”
As many investors and consumers debate over the company’s decision to feature Kaepernick in the campaign, Trump told The Daily Caller that the ad sends “a terrible message.”
He added, “As much as I disagree with the Colin Kaepernick endorsement, in another way -- I mean, wouldn’t have done it.”
Mueller might be willing to accept written answers from Trump
-- Special Counsel Robert Mueller is willing to accept some written answers from President Trump as part of the ongoing Russia investigation, according to The New York Times.
The Times, citing sources, reported Mueller offered the option to Trump’s lawyers in a letter sent last week.
The president could submit written answers to questions about whether his campaign was involved with Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Mueller's letter reportedly didn't ask for written responses about whether the president tried to obstruct justice, saying executive privilege could complicate the issue.
The Times reported the way the letter was written implies that Mueller could still try to interview Trump -- the questions just might be more limited than previously expected.
The president's lawyers have previously advised him against doing an interview with Mueller's team.
Newsy contributed to this report
