Newsweek is coming under fire over a tweet about Melania Trump demanding the removal of an historic White House tree — without the complete context.
“Melania Trump orders removal of the near-200-year-old tree from the White House,” blares a headline complete with a glowering photo of the First Lady.
Melania Trump orders removal of the near-200-year-old tree from the White House https://t.co/mkntr7Ytlf pic.twitter.com/Ck8Vj7VXgB
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) December 26, 2017
Innocent internet users who thought the First Lady had it in for the old tree would learn after clicking the article that the historic magnolia had become a danger to the property.
“The tree was about to fall, and experts recommended its removal,” wrote Newsweek writer Sydney Pereira. “Trump reportedly made the decision to have it removed after tree specialists determined ‘the overall architecture and structure of the tree is greatly compromised.’”
Newsweek’s tweet was widely criticized — beginning with the dean of Twitter journalists, Yashar Ali.
“Another BS Newsweek Tweet,” he snapped.
Another BS Newsweek tweet. Your story reflects the truth, that this decision was made after consulting with experts. With 280 characters there’s no excuse for this…. https://t.co/F60Dhf64yj
— Yashar Ali ? یاشار (@yashar) December 26, 2017
And it pretty much went from there.
#Newsweek was actually a viable news organ at one time in our history. Sad to see this… https://t.co/jDLR6r57eh
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) December 26, 2017
Experts said the tree was dead and dangerous and recommended it come down but by all means keep being click whore trash Newsweek. https://t.co/CgWrihAO55
— Chris Barron ?? (@ChrisRBarron) December 26, 2017
Newsweek with a 100% misleading tweet and headline to the world regarding removal of the Jackson Magnolia Tree from the @WhiteHouse grounds. #FakeNewsweek pic.twitter.com/CuVlsv5poY
— Dan Scavino Jr. Archived (@Scavino45) December 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/Chet_Cannon/status/945813251035512832
Another Newsweek headline doing nothing for the credibility of the news industry as a whole. This headline is grossly misleading… https://t.co/73m7vWaj8Y
— Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) December 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/lsmith4680/status/945847557183373318
https://twitter.com/JamesHasson20/status/945790286395052032
https://twitter.com/lsmith4680/status/945847557183373318