Joe Scarborough accused President Trump of engaging in ant-semitism on Monday’s “Morning Joe,” saying his Friday tweet accusing George Soros of paying Brett Kavanaugh protesters was an old “trick.”
“That’s a very old, tired, anti-semitic — very old anti-semitic trick that people have claimed, usually on the internet,” he said.
Also on set was Mika Brzezinski, who read Trump’s tweet on air.
“The very rude elevator screamers are paid professionals only looking to make senators look bad. Don’t fall for it! Also, look at all of the professionally made identical signs,” she read, quoting the president. “Paid for by Soros and others. These are not signs made in the basement from love!”
The very rude elevator screamers are paid professionals only looking to make Senators look bad. Don’t fall for it! Also, look at all of the professionally made identical signs. Paid for by Soros and others. These are not signs made in the basement from love! #Troublemakers
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2018
In the hours before Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed by the Senate to serve on the Supreme Court on Saturday, Washington D.C. was overrun by protesters. While pro-Kavanaugh Americans were also present, the loudest voices were overwhelmingly represented by anti-Kavanaugh forces looking to pressure wavering senators like Jeff Flake and Susan Collins to vote against him.
Kavanaugh faced multiple accusations of sexual assault from incidents more than three decades ago. He has categorically denied all of the charges.
Soros has lent his considerable resources to liberal causes for decades and the hedge fund billionaire has been criticized by many Republicans who have accused him of all manner of nefarious activities. Over the years, commentators like Scarborough have blamed “anti-semitism” for the Soros fixation, though Republicans who attack him have strenuously denied it.
On-air Brzezinski called the charges that Soros’ money was funding protesters “false” but reporting from the conservative Daily Caller suggests that at least some amount of his money was being funneled to activists to pay for legal bills.