Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly was caught on a hot mic Wednesday telling President Trump that he should use a ceremonial saber on the press during the United States Coast Guard graduation ceremony.
The Coast Guard Class of 2017 presented the sword to Trump, who delivered the commencement address, as a "token of our appreciation." After Trump sat down, Kelly leaned over and told the president he should "use that on the press," referencing the saber.
Trump chuckled and let out a joking, "Yeah."
CNN reporter Jim Acosta noticed Kelly's hot mic moment.
DHS Sec. Kelly tells POTUS, holding ceremonial saber at USCG commencement to "use that on the press." h/t @ElizLanders and @stevebruskCNN
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) May 17, 2017
Kelly's comment angered some on social media.
DHS Sec. Kelly should resign already. https://t.co/7yX8Nu2Gar
— ResistAndPersist (@KaceCrawford) May 17, 2017
DHS Sec. Kelly is a retired four star general & with this statement he has shamed his uniform. Remember: The pen is mightier than the sword. https://t.co/nqXrAiqYyd
— Kirsten Allison (@KirstenAllison) May 17, 2017
Trump has been embroiled in several controversies over the past several days and has blamed the media for treating him unfairly. Trump made reference to his clashes with the press in his speech.
"You have to put your head down and fight, fight, fight," he said. "Never, ever, ever give up. Things will work out just fine."