CNN under fire for Melania Trump 'Woman of Mystery' show: 'Please tell me you asked her about being a birther'
One of Donald Trump’s biggest targets, CNN, is shining the spotlight on the first lady in a new documentary special set to air this Friday.
Hosted by FLOTUS correspondent Kate Bennett, Woman of Mystery: Melania Trump features interviews with the likes of White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, who calls her a “woman of action,” while communications director Stephanie Grisham describes her boss as “very, very independent.”
Hi. Please tune in to the @FLOTUS documentary I worked hard on. It airs Friday, 6/14 at 9p and 1a on @CNN. pic.twitter.com/pQ8VKy4L4c
— Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) June 10, 2019
Talking heads featured in a preview for the documentary also claim that the Slovenian former model is “reclusive” and “an old-fashioned wife.”
But while Bennett doesn’t shy away from asking at least one tough question — “Do you think she’s miserable in the White House?” the CNN reporter asks in one scene — news of the special report has already drummed up backlash from critics. They accuse it of being a puff piece that’s uncritical of, to quote one commenter, “the wife of a traitor beholden to Putin.”
Soledad O’Brien, herself a former CNN host, was among those speaking out. Like many other critics, the broadcast journalist referenced the first lady’s support of her husband’s birther conspiracies alleging that Barack Obama was not born in the United States. In 2011, she questioned Obama’s live birth certificate from Hawaii during an appearance on The Joy Behar Show.
Please tell me you asked her about being a birther. https://t.co/BZu7aPy9Gl
— Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) June 11, 2019
Did you ask @FLOTUS about her prominent role in challenging Obama’s place of birth & whether she thought about how such questions would hurt Obama, his wife & children or naw?
— Midwin Charles (@MidwinCharles) June 11, 2019
Woman of Mystery is not a title that should be ascribed to America’s First Lady. Tells me up front that it’s an attempt to normalize this cold, lying, heartless birther. Hard pass. Do better.
— Paula J Marcotte (@PaulaJMarcotte) June 11, 2019
Woman of mystery? We’ve already seen enough clues to know who she really is. pic.twitter.com/2jbPSyDRUn
— Gailen David (@gailendavid) June 11, 2019
In her 2018 memoir, Becoming, Michelle Obama said she’d “never forgive” Trump for floating birther theories, writing that it put her family “at risk.”
Speaking of the Obamas, some commenters couldn’t resist comparing Trump to the former FLOTUS.
Lol. What exactly has she done to talk about? An old fashioned wife for sure...be seen not heard! It's 2019. Not 1947. I'd rather hear about @MichelleObama and her many accomplishments, being an EQUAL in her marriage and being an amazing mother. Now she's a role model!
— J (@JussChris23) June 10, 2019
And some simply just aren’t interested in watching.
I’m sure you worked hard on it...but I will have to say not a chance in hell I would watch this nonsense
— Melisa Kuwabara (@mkuwabee) June 10, 2019
Sorry, but no thanks. Next time do some one worthy of respect.
— LauraCarter (@LauraCarter) June 10, 2019
Sorry I have an appointment for a root canal w/o anesthesia that I can’t wait for. Shame on you and CNN.
— MTK (@Palominomom) June 10, 2019
Controversy or no, Woman of Mystery: Melania Trump will air Friday, June 14 — the president’s 73rd birthday, as it happens — at 9 p.m. EST, with a repeat airing at 1 a.m. the next morning.
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Melania Trump wears gown with sheer shoulders to state banquet at Buckingham Palace
Kate Middleton wears Princess Diana's tiara for queen's state banquet with Donald Trump
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