Let's Check in on Trump's Big Push to 'Unify' After the Bombs

On what seems like a few years ago but was only Wednesday, President Donald Trump addressed the string of letter bombs sent to prominent Democrats, Democratic donors, and CNN with an appeal to unity. “I just want to tell you that, in these times, we have to unify,” he said. “We have to come together, and send one very clear, strong, unmistakable message that acts or threats of political violence of any kind have no place in the United States of America.”

It went off the rails not even 24 hours after he said it, but just to be safe, let’s check in on how Trump and his allies are doing on “unifying” the country:

Trump, at 3:14 a.m. ET this morning:

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, on Thursday:

“I think it is absolutely disgraceful that one of the first public statements we heard from CNN yesterday was to put the blame and responsibility of this despicable act on the president and on me personally.”

She subsequently told reporters that Trump is no more responsible for the attempted bombings than Sen. Bernie Sanders was responsible “for a supporter shooting up a baseball practice field last year,” referring to the June 2017 Alexandria, Va., shooting in which four people, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) were shot.

A “former Trump White House official,” to Politico:

“So many voters mistrust the media, Trump has found blaming the press an effective political strategy in a variety of contexts.”

Lou fucking Dobbs, per Politico:

“Fake News—Fake Bombs,” Fox Business Network host Lou Dobbs, who regularly speaks to Trump, tweeted Thursday morning. “Who could possibly benefit by so much fakery?”

And American Conservative Union president and White House spouse Matt Schlapp told Politico:

“I think it’s part of the irresponsible coverage when I hear members of the media say CNN got this package because of Trump’s rhetoric. To equate that with wanting to send bombs is extremely irresponsible,” said Schlapp, whose wife Mercedes is the White House’s director of strategic communications.

Asked if Trump might omit from future rallies his claim that journalists are “the enemy of the people,” Schlapp responded: “I hope not.”