President Donald Trump on Sunday swiped at ABC News’ Martha Raddatz while appearing to take some credit for the recent election of the first U.S.-born pope, Leo XIV.
On Truth Social, Trump got cross with Raddatz seemingly over an exchange (which you can watch below) she had with senior correspondent Terry Moran on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos.” The two were at the Vatican for the new pope’s first Sunday blessing.
“The question that we had was how much did the American moment with President Trump matter?” Moran said of talking with church insiders. “They’re telling us not at all. It was him (the pope) that mattered.”
“And that’s what we’ve been hearing this morning,” Raddatz agreed. “It was him.”
Trump wasn’t about to turn the other cheek in what he perceived as a slight.
“So funny to watch old timer Martha Raditz (sic) on ABC Fake News (the Slopadopolus show!) this morning, blurt out that, effectively, Pope Leo’s selection had nothing to do with Donald Trump. It came out of nowhere, but it was on her Trump Deranged Mind,” the president wrote on Truth Social.
Trump seemed to suggest he played a role in securing the papacy for the Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost.
“Remember, I did WIN the Catholic Vote, by a lot!” he proclaimed.
Then Trump pivoted to a plea for the chair of ABC parent Disney.
“Bob Iger should do something about the losers and haters he’s got on his low rated shows,” Trump wrote. “It’s time for change. MAGA!!!
Fast-forward to 32:45 for the Moran-Raddatz exchange:
Trump’s hostile exchange with Moran during a recent interview may have also played on his mind. After getting corrected, Trump tried to diminish the newsman.
“Hey, they’re giving you the big break of a lifetime,” Trump said. “You know, you’re doing the interview. I picked you because, frankly, I never heard of you but that’s OK.”
He added, “But I picked you, Terry. But you’re not being very nice.”