Conservatives attending the Young Black Leadership Summit on Friday chanted “CNN sucks” during President Donald Trump’s address, just days after the network was targeted in a bomb threat and as images emerge of the suspect’s van—coincidentally sporting a “CNN sucks” sticker.
Trump began his remarks by announcing the arrest of 56-year-old Cesar Sayoc, allegedly behind the string of suspicious packages containing pipe bombs sent to high-profile Democrats and CNN this week, before calling on Americans to unify.
“We must show the world that we are united together in peace and love and harmony as fellow American citizens,” the president said. “There is no country like our country and every day we are showing the world just how truly great we are.”
However, as his speech continued and Trump began to criticize what he called “fake polls” members of the crowd began to shout “fake news” and chant “CNN sucks.”
Awaiting Trump:
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 26, 2018
A packed room in the White House full of young conservative black people chanting:
“Build the wall”
“Four more years”
“Trump!”
“CNN Sucks”
This is gonna be a sight to behold: pic.twitter.com/BXH1kuyPvU
Hardly shocking, given the president’s consistent criticism of the network and that the slogan has become somewhat of a meme among Trump supporters.
However, that very morning footage of Soyac’s white van being taken into custody had been broadcast on several news networks.
Close up pictures taken of the van revealed dozens of pro-Trump stickers and, notably, a “CNN sucks” sticker on the window.
Some clearer pictures pic.twitter.com/oTYAsUqOZ5
— Robert Maguire (@RobertMaguire_) October 26, 2018
Coincidence? Possibly. What is evident, however, is that Trump’s call for unity was quickly forgotten by both him and his audience as he dragged his enemies to please the baying crowd.
Trump hits “globalists” at WH event after call for unity in wake of bomb-scare suspects arrested. Several audience members shout out “George Soros” and others shout “lock ’em up.” Trump chuckles, points and repeats “lock ’em up.”
— Jordan Fabian (@Jordanfabian) October 26, 2018
In an earlier statement, Trump called the attacks “despicable.”
