Fox & Friends fears Trump just 'refounded ISIS'
If White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders thought she'd be getting a softball interview when she went on Fox & Friends Friday morning, she was in for an unpleasant surprise.
Instead of simply letting her push the administration's narrative, Fox News' Brian Kilmeade hammered Sanders for President Trump's recent decision to withdraw troops from Syria. Kilmeade, who has been fuming about this news all week, told Sanders that Trump is "doing exactly what he criticized President Obama for doing," pointing out that Trump said Barack Obama is the "founder of ISIS" because he pulled troops out of the Middle East. "He just refounded ISIS," Kilmeade said of Trump, not bothering to hide his rage or even ask Sanders a question.
Sanders, who seemed taken aback, shook her head and said the president has "nothing to do with helping ISIS re-emerge." But Kilmeade shot back, "Leaving is helping." When Sanders said the U.S. is leaving because ISIS has been almost completely wiped out in Syria, Kilmeade said that "the word on the ground is different from what you just said."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
At that point, co-host Ainsley Earhardt wrapped up the interview by cheerfully wishing Sanders a merry Christmas, while a still visibly frustrated Kilmeade didn't crack a smile. Watch the testy exchange below. Brendan Morrow
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
The best new music of 2024 by genre
The Week Recommends Outstanding albums, from pop to electro and classical
By The Week UK Published
-
Nine best TV shows of 2024 to binge this Christmas
The Week Recommends From Baby Reindeer and Slow Horses to Rivals and Shogun, here are the critics' favourites
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: December 28, 2024
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacks
speed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages released
Speed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'
Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
By The Week UK Published
-
Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs say
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war?
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign port
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around'
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published