UK Condemns Trump’s Praise For Assault On Reporter

The Guardian reports:

Downing Street has indirectly criticised Donald Trump after he praised a Republican congressman for attacking a Guardian reporter, saying any violence or intimidation against journalists was “completely unacceptable”.

Asked about Trump’s comments, Theresa May’s spokeswoman said: “He obviously made comments at a political rally, and those are for him. But more generally we would always say that any violence or intimidation against a journalist is completely unacceptable.”

While oblique, the criticism is relatively strong by the standards of Downing Street, which generally tries to play down condemnation of Trump’s often erratic behaviour, mindful of wider UK-US ties as well as the president’s promises about a post-Brexit trade deal.

NEW: fairly strong if indirect criticism of Donald Trump from No 10 after US president praised a Republican congressman for having attacked a Guardian journalist.
No 10 spokeswoman said “any violence or intimidation against a journalist is completely unacceptable”.

— Peter Walker (@peterwalker99) October 19, 2018

New statement from the Guardian on Trump’s remarks tonight praising Gianforte’s assault —> pic.twitter.com/ZAMUpcII4B

— Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) October 19, 2018