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October 19, 2018

Trump Praises Body-Slamming Rep. Gianforte, Attacks Sen. Warren at Montana Rally
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Meanwhile, at a rally in Montana Thursday, President Trump praised
Montana Congressmember Greg Gianforte for physically assaulting a
reporter.

President Trump: "But Greg is smart. And by the way, never wrestle him.
You understand. Never. Any guy that can do a body slam, he's my kind of
guy. [crowd cheers] He's my guy."

Last year, Gianforte body-slammed the Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs,
after he asked Gianforte a question about the Republicans' healthcare
proposal. This is audio Jacobs captured of the attack.

Greg Gianforte: "We'll talk to you about that later."

Ben Jacobs: "Yeah, but there's not going to be time. I was just curious
if you have the act right now."

Greg Gianforte: "OK, speak with Shane, please. Just-I'm sick and tired
of you guys! The last guy that came in here, you did the same thing! Get
the hell out of here!"

Ben Jacobs: "Jesus!"

Greg Gianforte: "Get the hell out of here! The last guy did the same
thing. You with The Guardian?"

Ben Jacobs: "Yes! And you just broke my glasses."

Greg Gianforte: "You-the last guy did the same damn thing."

Ben Jacobs: "You just body-slammed me and broke my glasses."

Greg Gianforte: "Get the hell out of here!"

Ben Jacobs: "You'd like me to get out of here. I'd also like to call the
police."

Gianforte was elected to Congress but he ultimately pleaded guilty to
assaulting Jacobs. After Trump praised Gianforte at the rally Thursday
night, The Guardian US editor John Mulholland said, "In the aftermath of
the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, it runs the risk of inviting other
assaults on journalists both here and across the world where they often
face far greater threats. We hope decent people will denounce these
comments and that the president will see fit to apologize for them."

During the rally, Trump again attacked Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth
Warren over her recent DNA test claiming her Native American ancestry.

President Trump: "You know, the one good thing about her test is there
was so little-she had less than the average American. I used to say, I
have more Indian blood in me than she does and I have none." 
To see our full coverage of Elizabeth Warren's DNA test, click here.



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