It was only a matter of time before we heard it from the horse’s mouth himself.
Michael Wolff, author of the explosive new book “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,” has decided to address the attacks against him being levied by President Donald Trump.
Many of the claims Wolff makes in his book paint the President as a confused child who never wanted to be the commander-in-chief in the first place. Wolff cites hundreds of interviews with staffers who also allege that Trump is not up for the job of leading the nation.
The White House has already criticized Wolff, and has even threatened the author with legal action.
This morning, Wolff addressed this criticism on The Today Show. Here’s what he said:
“They all say he is like a child. And what they mean like that is a need for immediate gratification. It’s all about him. They say he’s a moron, an idiot.”
Here’s more from the interview:
JUST IN: "My credibility is being questioned by a man who has less credibility than anyone who walks on Earth," Michael Wolff, author of explosive new book, tells @SavannahGuthrie on @TODAYshow. https://t.co/1eSxnAjRlE pic.twitter.com/PpeeEW98gP
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 5, 2018
There are a few problems with Wolff’s narrative. And the more we learn, the more this juicy story unravels.
First, President Trump shot off a tweet last night, denying he ever gave Wolff access to the White House. In fact, Trump says he shot down Wolff’s request for access “many times.” Look:
I authorized Zero access to White House (actually turned him down many times) for author of phony book! I never spoke to him for book. Full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that don’t exist. Look at this guy’s past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018
That’s not the only problem. We just learned yesterday that Wolff may have fabricated a great many stories about Donald Trump, including an anecdote where the President denied knowing who former Speaker of the House John Boehner was. A cursory look at Trump’s Twitter timeline makes it clear that the President knows John Boehner.
And that’s not it. Many journalists have started to notice that Wolff overly relies on Steve Bannon, the ousted chief strategist of the Trump White House, for many of his scoops. Bannon’s behavior in recent days suggests that he’s an extreme narcissist and fabulist infatuated with his own ego and persona.
From my reading of that Wolff book excerpt:
1) Bannon is one of chief sources (note that Breitbart is not disputing any of his quotes) and likely the source of several of the more…unlikely stories, like the Boehner one.
2) I have a hard time knowing how much else to believe.
— Jeff B (@EsotericCD) January 3, 2018
Really, the only thing I know for sure from reading the Wolff excerpt (which is a fun, splashy read even if unreliable) is about Bannon's view of himself and those around him. Also, his lack of self-control and discretion is manifest.
— Jeff B (@EsotericCD) January 3, 2018
If Wolff really did rely heavily on Bannon, there’s no reason to trust his book at all.
What do you think of Wolff’s characterization of Donald Trump? Is it true? Tell us your thoughts below!
