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The Trump White House is under fire for a planned PSA campaign designed to improve public perception of America's pandemic response. Now some recently discovered documents are making the whole thing seem even more ridiculous.
Documents recently obtained by Politico include a list of celebrities considered for a PSA campaign to reframe the fight against the pandemic in a more positive light. The effort was reportedly called "Helping the President will Help the Country."
The series of PSAs was apparently intended to "defeat despair" by reframing the public health crisis. Celebrities were vetted by their potential willingness to participate, and suitability for a Trump campaign. Additionally, a column labeled "Additional Notes" contains information like their criminal record or political leanings.
One such celebrity on the list was WWE wrestler and former UFC fighter Ronda Rousey. While Rousey was not likely to have agreed to participate—Rousey is a confirmed supporter of Berthoud Sanders—the contractor who compiled the list also listed her apparent criminal record on the spreadsheet.
The problem? The arrest cited in the report was a completely fictional one.
Rousey, along with fellow wrestlers Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch, was "arrested" cause if a three-way brawl during WWE Raw in the lead-up to WrestleMania 35, which featured a Triple Threat match between the three women.
You can view the clip of the brawl and fictional arrest below.
The first person to spot the error seems to have been wrestling journalist Ryan Satin.
A Trump campaign committee’s celebrity supporter recruitment tracker document obtained by @politico lists Ronday Ro… https://t.co/GHBVgsx6Qk— Ryan Satin (@Ryan Satin) 1603982741.0
@ryansatin @politico Assuming Steve Austin’s notes reads “physically assaulted the President”— Rashida Tlaib Fan Account (@Rashida Tlaib Fan Account) 1603982819.0
This isn't the first time Donald Trump or those around him have been a bit confused about the reality of professional wrestling.
A 2007 storyline that culminated in Vince McMahon's limousine exploding led
Trump to call and inquire about his friend's safety.
Several folks on Twitter were quick to remind the world of that incident.
@TheMattFowler @ryansatin Trump called after that explosion - he thought it was real— DC MA (@DC MA) 1603983300.0
@ryansatin @politico This fits with Trump calling Titan Towers because he heard Vince was killed. https://t.co/9LhY9ru4Wp— Rabbi Dirtsheet (@Rabbi Dirtsheet) 1604005463.0
Partially die to the investigation into potential misuse of funds to develop this series of ads, they may or may not ever actually air. If they do, though, it seems like Rousey will probably not be one of the spokespeople.