Matt Gaetz Claims Trump 'Had an Exquisite Knowledge of the Facts' in CNN Town Hall
By: Michael Luciano (Mediaite)


By Michael LucianoMay 12th, 2023, 9:11 pm Twitter share button <?php // Post Body ?>
Donald Trump made several dubious and outright false claims during a CNN town hall on Wednesday, but that didn't stop Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) from declaring that Trump showed "an exquisite knowledge of the facts."
Appearing on Newsmax's The Balance, Gaetz hailed Trump's performance in Wednesday's event. The congressman also praised the network for giving Trump a platform.
"So Trump explodes the ratings over at CNN," host Eric Bolling noted. "Management goes crazy. They like the ratings, but they are getting massive pushback… What are you hearing in the halls of Congress?"
"I actually think this town hall was a win for both Donald Trump and CNN," Gaetz replied. "President Trump showed a comfortable command of the room. He had an exquisite knowledge of the facts. He brought receipts to counter some of the false narratives that have been put out by a lot of mainstream media. And he interacted with people asking questions in a very warm and comforting and almost host-like way."
CNN's own Oliver Darcynoted that Trump "unleashed a firehose of lies" during the event, which was moderated by Kaitlan Collins. Collins fact-checked Trump many times, but they ultimately got washed away by the never-ending torrent. Notably, Trump began the event by reiterating his false claim that the 2020 election was rigged against him.
Gaetz lauded the network.
"You've got in CNN, I think, an opportunity," he continued. "So let's give credit where credit's due. [CEO] Chris Licht didn't have to do this. And I think it's a good thing for the country and a good thing for CNN that they would platform people that they don't necessarily agree with."
Gaetz added that the town hall showed that Trump should agree to debate his challengers for the GOP nomination.
CNN has faced intense backlash over the decision. In a monologue on Thursday night, CNN's Anderson Cooperdefended the forum. That in turn led to more criticism.
Watch above via Newsmax.
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Filed Under: CNNDonald TrumpEric BollingMatt GaetzNewsmax Previous PostNext Post Previous PostNext Post Michael Luciano - Senior Editor
Mike is a Mediaite senior editor who covers the news in primetime.
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We have seen extensive gaslighting by conservative and Republican officials and media personalities since Wednesday night, attempting to suggest that Trump was telling the truth at his town hall. Its too easy to say these people have no shame, what they really want is to destroy our traditional definitions of "truth".
All Trump did was rehash his long litany of lies, prejudices and grievances.
Seems they could have just as well had this on Fox instead of CNN.
CNN keeps telling us how necessary this event was. But even this lunatic knows that CNN did not need to it.
As I said before, I applaud CNN for revealing the 'true Trump'. If you already knew, good for you. If you didn't, now you do. The hard core MAGA are in the pocket anyway so it doesn't matter.
As far as Gaetz, uh, does anyone really give a crap?
As far as Trump. He's the guy you let into your house and just won't leave because in reality, he has nowhere to go.
Definitely satire.