Fox News has been the only news station that Trump hasn’t trashed for some time now, but it’s quite possible that may change due to the actions of one Fox News anchor.
The White House has not had an on-camera briefing so far in the month of July, and Tuesday’s briefing was no exception. About 30 minutes into the briefing, John Roberts of Fox News, who was seated in the front row, stood up to leave. Principal Deputy White House Press Secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders teased Roberts, claiming that he must have been bored. He fired back, saying that perhaps he wouldn’t have been leaving if the briefing had been on-camera.
Roberts later tweeted that he had a scheduled on-camera appearance to make, but that he would have stayed at the briefing if it had been on camera, due to the fact that that would have been aired in place of his appearance on the network.
To all who are musing over me leaving the @SHSanders45 Briefing…I have a live shot. Had the brief been on camera, it would 1/2
— John Roberts (@johnrobertsFox) July 18, 2017
Would have been on TV, not me. I would have waited until it was over.
— John Roberts (@johnrobertsFox) July 18, 2017
Most of those who work at Fox News have been allies of Trump since the start, so to see someone working for the network take a jab at the Trump administration’s off camera briefings is sure to be a big deal for the president, who as we know, gets worked up quite easily by the media.
Many users on Twitter commended Roberts for walking out, thanking him for doing what they believe more people in the press should be doing. Even those who are not fans of the network shared their respect with Roberts.
Thank you!!! pic.twitter.com/DTUdRTq8p5
— Pamela (@PamelaR3y1990) July 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/L1135/status/887414532871770113
No need to be defensive. You did the right thing. Somebody's got to stand up to #Trump Admin's disrespect for the media.
— Jeff Dannenberg (@jecrda) July 18, 2017
Its about damn time. Bravo, Mr. Roberts. You sir, are what you call a real journalist. Americans all over the country stand with you
— Adam B. (@AdamB77798292) July 18, 2017
I don't respect anything or anyone at Fox but I'll make an exception for you. Thank you.
— Anita Grinis (@anitaluvscapri) July 18, 2017
Good for you, now the other reporters should do the same. What a waste of time listening to lies.
— Johnolaf11 (@Johnolaf11) July 18, 2017
You were the first rock of the avalanche, my friend! I'm sure there are many that are tired of the BS that the White House has been giving.
— Stacia J.?❤️ (@badisnotgood45) July 18, 2017
Thank you for taking a stand. I wish all would walk out until they allow cameras in again. Trump & his admin are the ultimate wimps/ ❄️
— MindyM16 (@mindym16) July 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/dernaldderp/status/887420063573090304
I'm no FOX fan but credit where credit is due here. Good on you!
— Richard (@RichardinJaxFl) July 18, 2017
You can hear the audio recording of Sanders and Roberts interaction below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT_1-6SCj-w
Featured Image via Getty Images