President Trump may snub NBC News for a pre-game interview before Super Bowl LII on February 4.
Variety reported Friday that Mr. Trump has yet to agree to an interview for the National Football League’s championship game in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The president’s absence would break ranks with a tradition embraced by former President Obama.
The entertainment magazine asked NBC about the veracity of its source’s claim and was denied access to executives for comment.
“A White House spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a query seeking comment,” Variety added.
Fox News also tried to elicit a comment by the White House, but to no avail.
Mr. Trump has an ongoing feud with NBC over coverage of his administration. Further complicating matters are protests of the national anthem by NFL players, which the president has also condemned.
“NBC news is #FakeNews and more dishonest than even CNN,” Mr. Trump tweeted Oct. 4, 2017. “They are a disgrace to good reporting. No wonder their news ratings are way down!”
NBC Sports EP Fred Gaudelli told attendees at a recent Television Critics Association event that national anthem protests during the 52nd Super Bowl will not be hidden from millions of viewers around the world.
“If there are players who choose to kneel, they will be shown live,” he said Jan. 9.
NBC news is #FakeNews and more dishonest than even CNN. They are a disgrace to good reporting. No wonder their news ratings are way down!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 4, 2017
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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