Former President Donald Trump’s camp on Thursday acknowledged he talked about Milwaukee’s “terrible crime and voter fraud.” But House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) later claimed it never happened. Trump reportedly told a group of Republican lawmakers that Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a “horrible city,” sending Republicans into overdrive to deflect and even deny his comments.
One of those defenders was Trump’s controversial spokesman, Steven Cheung, who fiercely denied that Trump made the comment, despite reports by Punchbowl News and confirmation from reporter Jake Sherman. “Wrong. Total bulls—,” Cheung said. “He never said it like how it’s been falsely characterized as. He was talking about how terrible crime and voter fraud are.”
Trump himself acknowledged on Fox News that he discussed the city, which is hosting the Republican National Convention this year. “I think it was very clear what I meant,” he said. “I said we were ‘very concerned with crime.'”
However, Johnson insisted he heard no such thing despite being in close proximity to the former president. Appearing on Fox News’s Hannity on Thursday night, host Sean Hannity asked the House Speaker whether Trump “took a shot at Milwaukee.” “No. I didn’t hear it and I was sitting right next to him,” Johnson replied.
Social media quickly criticized Johnson’s statement, with some accusing him of lying and questioning his integrity. “He heard it. And now he’s lying. It’s that simple, folks. All these Republicans are lying for Trump. Nonstop,” wrote @MonitorFake.
“Mike was too busy having January 6 flashbacks,” wrote @franklinisbored. “He says he ‘didn’t hear it,’ but he doesn’t say Trump didn’t say it. This guy is a slimy liar,” replied @tbailey1976. “I wonder if he needs to go to confession every night. Such a good Christian” wrote @pleolleo.
The incident highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding Trump’s comments and the lengths his supporters go to defend him. As the Republican National Convention approaches, the debate over Trump’s remarks and their implications for the party’s image continues to intensify.