Journalists were surprised by President Donald Trump's transparency after he opened the doors to reporters during a bipartisan meeting with congressional leaders on Tuesday.
Trump held a bipartisan meeting on Tuesday at the White House to discuss immigration reform and border security, and he opened it with a call for compromise. Trump allowed reporters to sit in during the negotiations between himself and congressional leaders. In response to the decision to open the discussion to the press, reporters applauded Trump for his transparency and noted how rare it was for them to observe these types of negotiations.
Rick Klein, political director for ABC News, said he couldn't recall seeing a president lead a discussion with so many congressional voices and where such a wide range of viewpoints were discussed.
"I can never remember seeing a president convene a discussion fo an issue with this many congressional voices and this many viewpoints being discussed publicly. Pretty remarkable day at the White House," Klein said.
I can never remember seeing a president convene a discussion of an issue with this many congressional voices and this many viewpoints being discussed publicly. Pretty remarkable day at the White House.
— Rick Klein (@rickklein) January 9, 2018
Letting the press be a fly on the wall. Unique, to say the least. https://t.co/Niya5ccgQT
— Mary Bruce (@marykbruce) January 9, 2018
Trump smart for opening immigration discussion to press. Public gets to see deal making POTUS at his best.
— Steve Peoples (@sppeoples) January 9, 2018
Also: I have covered Washington/politics for 2 decades. I have NEVER seen a president invite the press in to film negotiations with Congress.
— Singer (@singernews) January 9, 2018
Probably the most fascinating pool spray I've ever done. pic.twitter.com/o1BH1wjlMF
— Evan Vucci (@evanvucci) January 9, 2018
.@WolfBlitzer gives credit to the WH for opening the bipartisan immigration meeting up to cameras: "I don't remember when a White House has allowed TV cameras in such a meeting."
— Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) January 9, 2018
Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum called Trump's move "brilliant."
"BREAKING: Brilliant move by POTUS - in the middle of the Wolff onslaught - he allows LIVE coverage of him working the table with Dems/GOP on immigration. Thoughtful, policy proficient and determined to get a deal," MacCallum tweeted.
BREAKING: Brilliant move by POTUS - in the middle of the Wolff onslaught - he allows LIVE coverage of him working the table with Dems/GOP on immigration. Thoughtful, policy proficient and determined to get a deal.
— Martha MacCallum (@marthamaccallum) January 9, 2018
Kellyanne Conway, special adviser to Trump, said reporters were giving the president "grudging praise."
.@POTUS takes extraordinary step in leading a bipartisan, bicameral policy discussion with the cameras rolling the entire time. Twitter reactions -as compiled by @RNCResearch - show stunned reporters and grudging praise for the process. pic.twitter.com/B6X9Qnw2YS
— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) January 9, 2018