ABC News reports:
President Donald Trump denied late Wednesday that he called the White House a “dump.” Trump responded on Twitter to an article posted Tuesday on the website golf.com.
The story recounts a scene in which Trump was chatting with some club members at his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey. Trump reportedly told the members he visits the property so frequently because “That White House is a real dump.”
Trump has spent nearly every weekend of his presidency visiting various properties he owns and leases, including Bedminster. He is expected to leave Friday on his first extended vacation from Washington since the inauguration — a 17-day getaway to the Bedminster club.
More from Politico:
Alan Shipnuck, who reported the 7,424-word story, defended his work in a podcast on Wednesday. Shipnuck said he had an “enlightening” conversation with White House aide Hope Hicks, who demanded a retraction.
“I explained to her: It’s not a lie. The president said this in front of eight or nine members and staffers at Bedminster,” he said, calling it a “moment of candor” for the president.
“The week of the U.S. Women’s Open, I heard the same story told by two or three different other sources. This is certainly a moment that has already passed into legend at Trump Bedminster. It might be inconvenient for her boss and she might wish he didn’t say it, but it’s not a lie.”
I love the White House, one of the most beautiful buildings (homes) I have ever seen. But Fake News said I called it a dump – TOTALLY UNTRUE
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2017
Wow, @GolfMagazine just rated the renovation of The Blue Monster the best of the year. Even better they stated it may be best of all time!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 9, 2014
Thank you @GolfMagazine for your fantastic review of The Blue Monster at Trump National Doral – “BEST U.S. RESORT RENOVATION” – & “ALL TIME”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 9, 2014