Vice President Mike Pence faced accusations of hypocrisy on Monday night after he tweeted about the importance of “freedom of the press.”
Deeply troubled to hear reports about Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi. If true, this is a tragic day. Violence against journalists across the globe is a threat to freedom of the press & human rights. The free world deserves answers.
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) October 8, 2018
Turkish authorities believe Khashoggi, who disappeared a week ago after entering Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul, was killed inside the consulate. He was known to be critical of Saudi policies.
The irony of Pence’s post was not lost on Twitter users, many of whom accused him of being complicit in President Donald Trump’s repeated attacks on reporters and media outlets’ critical coverage of the administration:
Look in the mirror, Mike. pic.twitter.com/HmYvHpgkZ1
— The Emperor of Ice-Cream (@MrReciprocity) October 9, 2018
Really? You, who serve and support a man who refers to our free press as the enemy and has children taken taken away from their families?
— Kathy Gylfe (@Pelydryn1) October 8, 2018
...from the leadership who calls the media "the enemy of the state" and "fake news" comes this tweet too.
— Rahul Sood 🦄 (@rahulsood) October 9, 2018
Amazing.
And yet, your boss advocates violence against journalists.
— ab (@BelcherAshford) October 8, 2018
Wow. @realDonaldTrump has threatened and harassed journalists here in this country. Where is your outrage about that?
— AmericanagainstTrump (@notadeplorable2) October 9, 2018
Maybe they figure he's the enemy of the people? That's going around.
— Just Debi, no stache (@TedWellsMustach) October 9, 2018
Seriously? You and Trump created this by screaming “Fake News” at legitimate journalists. You and Trump are responsible for this and own it. I cannot fathom how you and trump created this threat then ask for answers. Look in the mirror. 😡
— Kandi Davis (@Kandid61Kandi) October 8, 2018
Well maybe it's time to have a discussion with your boss about that, he hasn't helped.
— Heidi (@heidilovingnj) October 8, 2018
Trump’s hateful rhetoric is every bit as damaging to freedom of the press and human rights. The hypocrisy is rampant in this administration.#ComplicitVP
— Jackie Lee (@jlsparadise20) October 8, 2018
You serve & admire a president who calls the press the enemy of the people. Violence against journalists anywhere should apparently not be a problem for you guys.
— JudyB (@judme) October 9, 2018
Yeah, it's nuts how many folks are calling the press the enemy of the people, huh?
— Cody Johnston (@drmistercody) October 9, 2018
Yeah. What happened to “ fake news” and condemning Journalists. Ohhh because he said so. New rules everyday.
— Jean (@acornleaf) October 9, 2018
Ironic post of the day, award winner!
— Javier Enriquez (@JaviEnriquez) October 8, 2018
There is Captain Obvious and then there is Captain Oblivious.
— rslugs (@rslugs202) October 8, 2018
Oh good, a tweet. That‘ll solve it.
— Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) October 8, 2018
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
Before You Go