The tables were turned Wednesday morning on the set of “Morning Joe,” with President Donald Trump rushing to promote new policies after Tuesday’s terrorist attack in New York City and Joe Scarborough blasting the president for politicizing the tragedy.
“The leadership he’s shown unfortunately is sad and goes against every tradition not only in modern American politics, but in this history of this country,” said Scarborough.
“Here you have the president of the United States now, Donald Trump … using a terrorist attack when we should all come together to take cheap political shots at the opposing party. Now is not the time, now is not the place.”
Scarborough’s rebuke came after Trump launched a series of tweets Wednesday morning blasting Democrats and the U.S. visa system which he said the suspect in Tuesday’s attack, Sayfullo Saipov, had exploited to enter the U.S. from his native Uzbekistan.
The terrorist came into our country through what is called the “Diversity Visa Lottery Program,” a Chuck Schumer beauty. I want merit based.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017
We are fighting hard for Merit Based immigration, no more Democrat Lottery Systems. We must get MUCH tougher (and smarter). @foxandfriends
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017
“Senator Chuck Schumer helping to import Europes problems” said Col.Tony Shaffer. We will stop this craziness! @foxandfriends
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017
Trump also took pains to make sure his favorite show hosts — and occasional dinner partners — over at “Fox & Friends” knew he was watching, tagging the show in his posts.
Only hours after the attack Tuesday which left eight dead, Trump was on Twitter announcing stepped up “extreme vetting” of immigrants.
I have just ordered Homeland Security to step up our already Extreme Vetting Program. Being politically correct is fine, but not for this!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017
It was a reversal of sorts for the president and his liberal critics. After the massacre in Las Vegas last month, It was Trump who urged unity and implored Americans not to politicize, while many on MSNBC used the occasion to promote policy objectives like gun control.