UPDATE (6/19, 5:56 PM): Twitter has removed the fake CNN video tweeted by Trump on Friday morning at the request of the copyright owner.
For a third time, Twitter flagged a tweet from President Donald Trump.
The President shared mock CNN coverage of a Black toddler and a White toddler running to embrace each other. The doctored video had CNN portraying the White toddler as racist. Twitter deemed the tweet "manipulated media."
Watch below.
pic.twitter.com/vnRpk0zl5y
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2020
Twitter users excoriated the President for exploiting a heartwarming moment between two toddlers for political purposes.
One of his chief critics was the very network he targeted: CNN. The network pointed out that they did cover the story—accurately—in 2019
CNN did cover this story - exactly as it happened. Just as we reported your positions on race (and poll numbers). We'll continue working with facts rather than tweeting fake videos that exploit innocent children. We invite you to do the same. Be better. https://t.co/T1nBtejZta
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) June 19, 2020
CNN is one of the President's favorite targets for sowing mistrust in the media. His administration revoked the press pass of CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta until they were court ordered to restore it. The President frequently refuses to answer questions asked by CNN reporters and often bickers with them, so it didn't come as a surprise that the President's tweet targeted the network.
CNN's response garnered lots of reactions.
Great reply CNN! If you ignore this imbecile you simply embolden him. A succinct and accurate reply to his gibberish is exactly what he needs to see. His base will support the buffoon, but that base is slowly dwindling. November 3, his day of reckoning, VOTE!
— Michael Ciccarello (@BlueBuckeye69) June 19, 2020
pic.twitter.com/B2Paoc3lM5
— Amanda Hoey (@ladypixelheart) June 19, 2020
Get his ass CNN pic.twitter.com/XzXtQcT6Jh
— STOP KILLING US| BLM ✊✊✊ (@Mochi_Jamz92) June 19, 2020
Well done CNN.
— Chris “Cal" Carnahan 🇺🇸 (@xtrixcyclex) June 19, 2020
But not all reactions were positive.
Many sided with the President—who has told over 18 thousand lies since his inauguration—in calling CNN "fake news."
Hahahahaha. We know your lying CNN. Your lips are moving.
— Greg Kornish (@GregKornish) June 19, 2020
What a lack of self awareness. But then again, CNN never had much of that to begin with. This is why your only audience is in airports. BE BETTER, CNN.
— Penny Swalwell (@PennySwalwell) June 19, 2020
Lets clarify the moral of this story so that the low IQ individuals at CNN can comprehend:
CNN needs to be better rather than constantly being a TDS race baiter.
Balanced reporting would be a good start.
— Peaceful Protests? 🇨🇦 🇺🇸 🗯 (@DomrctMy) June 19, 2020
But CNN wasn't the only one detracting Trump's bizarre tweet.
Whyyyyyyyy? Why ruin this beautiful video.
😤
— Baligubadle (@Baligubadle1) June 19, 2020
You are truly the dumbest human being alive.
— Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) June 19, 2020
What gross soulless dumpster of a man would take that sweet video of two little children's' friendship, one everyone has seen and loved, and twist it for their own warped political purposes?
ANSWER: DONALD J. TRUMP
— JeremyNewberger (@jeremynewberger) June 19, 2020
The President has tweeted or retweeted over a dozen times so far today.
@beanmitchell1965/TikTok
@stargayzer11/TikTok
@chicagogirllovesdogs/TikTok
@lovedyou2pieces/TikTok
@meadowlarkbird/TikTok
@lisamk5508/TikTok
@tiffany.graham0/TikTok
@jodie.benson1/TikTok
@queensweetp86/TikTok
