Maryland lawmakers on Friday sharply criticized President Trump
Donald John TrumpWhite House sued over lack of sign language interpreters at coronavirus briefings Wife blames Trump, lack of masks for husband's coronavirus death in obit: 'May Karma find you all' Trump authorizes reduced funding for National Guard coronavirus response through 2020 MORE for talking about getting rid of journalists on the anniversary of a shooting at the Capital Gazette's newsroom in Annapolis that killed five people.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen
Christopher (Chris) Van HollenOvernight Defense: Guardsman to testify Lafayette Square clearing was 'unprovoked escalation' | Dems push for controversial Pentagon nominee to withdraw | Watchdog says Pentagon not considering climate change risks to contractors Democrats urge controversial Pentagon policy nominee to withdraw VOA visa decision could hobble Venezuela coverage MORE (D), Sen. Ben Cardin
Benjamin (Ben) Louis CardinCongress eyes tighter restrictions on next round of small business help Senate passes extension of application deadline for PPP small-business loans 1,700 troops will support Trump 'Salute to America' celebrations July 4: Pentagon MORE (D) and Rep. David Trone
David John TronePreventing the opioid epidemic from getting worse requires attacking it at the source Bicameral group of Democrats introduces bill to protect immigrant laborers Overnight Health Care — Presented by National Taxpayers Union — Buttigieg targets Warren, Sanders on health care ahead of debate | Judge overturns ObamaCare transgender protections | Poll sees support drop for 'Medicare for All' MORE (D) each chastised Trump's remarks about reporters while speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Vladimirovich PutinClyburn: Trump doesn't plan to leave the White House Russia planning mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign for October CNN chyron says 'nah' to Trump claim about Russia MORE at the Group of 20 summit in Japan.
Trump reportedly said, “Get rid of them," as members of the press were ushered out of the room.
"Fake news is a great term, isn’t it? You don’t have this problem in Russia, but we do,” Trump said, according to Bloomberg's Jennifer Jacobs, who is traveling with the president.
"We also have. It’s the same," Putin responded. The two leaders then chuckled about their comments, Jacobs reported.
Van Hollen called Trump's remarks "despicable."
"Mr. President, Maryland is mourning the loss of five journalists who were murdered at the Capital Gazette shooting one year ago today," he tweeted. "Instead of taking action to combat the gun violence epidemic in America, you’re joking with Putin about getting rid of journalists? Despicable."
Mr. President, Maryland is mourning the loss of five journalists who were murdered at the Capital Gazette shooting one year ago today. Instead of taking action to combat the gun violence epidemic in America, you’re joking with Putin about getting rid of journalists? Despicable. https://t.co/5cCKSrkjEv
— Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) June 28, 2019
Trone called the president's remark "a disgrace."
"This is a disgrace. A year ago we lost five people in the Capital Gazette shooting in Annapolis," Trone tweeted.
This is a disgrace. A year ago we lost five people in the Capital Gazette shooting in Annapolis.
— Rep. David Trone (@RepDavidTrone) June 28, 2019
Today should be about commemorating the lives we've lost and fighting for a future with no gun violence. We must do better. https://t.co/jWQJWPKoL7
Cardin said that while such remarks by the president would be "unacceptable" any time, they were particularly offensive on the shooting anniversary.
"On the one-year anniversary of the deadliest newsroom shooting in American history, this is totally unacceptable," he tweeted. "It would be on any day, but today it is especially reprehensible."
On the one-year anniversary of the deadliest newsroom shooting in American history, this is totally unacceptable. It would be on any day, but today it is especially reprehensible. @CapGazette https://t.co/Ad9sztj8W4
— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) June 28, 2019
