A live feed inadvertently captured journalists engaging in banter that included joking about the potential assassination of former President Donald Trump as they awaited his appearance at the federal courthouse for his criminal immunity appeal. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear oral arguments on the issue of presidential immunity following the denial of two motions to dismiss based on First Amendment and presidential immunity claims by Judge Tanya Chutkan.
The appeal is slated to be heard by a three-judge panel featuring Judge J. Michelle Childs, appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed in July 2022; Judge Florence Pan, nominated by Biden and confirmed in September 2022; and Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson, appointed by former President George H.W. Bush in 1990.
On the morning of the proceedings, news cameras were strategically positioned between the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia and the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse in anticipation of Trump’s arrival. The hot mic incident captured journalists discussing the challenge of capturing a good shot of Trump, leading to a dark turn in the conversation.
Journalist 1 expressed frustration about the difficulty of obtaining a clear shot, suggesting that even if Trump were hanging out of his window, he would be on the opposite side of the street. The conversation took a darker turn when Journalist 2 made references to the late President John F. Kennedy, discussing the possibility of capturing a shot if Trump were driving with the front window open or in a convertible.
The exchange included phrases like “if he just pulls up,” prompting a reference to JFK and a suggestion reminiscent of the advice given to Kennedy. The conversation ended with laughter after the comparison to JFK’s tragic incident. The remarks, captured on a hot mic, have sparked controversy and raised concerns about the appropriateness of such comments, especially in light of heightened sensitivities around discussions involving political figures and violence.
JOURNO 1: You know what the worst part is? Even if he has his window open and he’s hanging out of it, he will be on the other side of the street.
JOURNO 2: I mean, if he’s driving, we’ve got a good shot!
JOURNO 1: Yeah, if he’s driving with the front window open?
JOURNO 2: Yeah, or if it’s a convertible?
JOURNO 1: Yeah. I wasn’t thinking about that.
JOURNO 2: Yeah. Like if he just pulls up–
JOURNO 1: Like JFK?
JOURNO 2: (laughs)
JOURNO 1: Maybe someone, just like they told JFK. You know what you should do? You should take a convertible! It’s so nice out!
