[Isha Sesay, Cnn Anchor:] You're watching CNN NEWSROOM, live from Los Angeles.
[John Vause, Cnn Anchor:] Ahead this hour, retweets are endorsements and the U.S. president just gave his approval to Britain's version of the Ku Klux Klan, sharing their anti-Muslim videos with millions.
[Sesay:] Plus, perhaps the most famous news anchor in America is the latest to face allegations of sexual assault. We have details of what Matt Lauer is accused of doing.
[Vause:] And later, from a courtroom to the crime scene, after his 20- year sentence was upheld. A Bosnian war criminal swallows a deadly dose of poison while proclaiming his innocence.
[Sesay:] Hello, and thank you for joining us. I'm Isha Sesay.
[Vause:] Great to have you with us. I'm John Vause. You're watching NEWSROOM L.A. The U.S. president set off a firestorm on Wednesday and is often the case, it all started on Twitter.
[Sesay:] Donald Trump retweeted three violent and inflammatory anti- Muslim videos. Two of them claimed to show Muslims attack people; one shows a man destroying a statue of the Virgin Mary.
[Vause:] The tweets were originally posted by Jayda Fransen with the far-right group, Britain First.
[Sarah Huckabee Sanders, White House Press Secretary:] Whether it's a real video, the threat is real. And that is what the president is talking about, that's what the president is focused on, is dealing with those real threats. And those are real, no matter how you look at it.
[Sesay:] Well, British Prime Minister Theresa May quickly responded. Her office saying in part: "British people overwhelmingly reject the prejudice rhetoric of the far-right, which is the antithesis of the values that this country represents decency, tolerance, and respect."
[Vause:] Donald Trump was not going to let that slide, so he replied with a tweet to the British prime minister: "Don't focus on me, focus on the destructive radical Islamic terrorism that's taking place within the United Kingdom. We're going just fine."
[Sesay:] Well, let's bring in European Affairs Commentator, Dominic Thomas; and Attorney Omar Noureldin, Vice President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Gentlemen, good to have you with us again. Omar, in your view, why is President Trump retweeting these kinds of anti-Islam videos?
[Omar Noureldin, Attorney And Vice President Of The Muslim Public Affairs Council:] Well, first of all, it's reckless, and it's reckless and indifferent. That's to give the president the benefit of the doubt is reckless indifference. But, really, what the president is doing here is part of the concerted effort to sow division, fear- mongering, and create and break down the social cohesion of this country. And he's done it with Muslims, but Muslims are just one of his targets. He's done it with the LGBTQ community. He's done it with Mexican-Americans. He's done it with African-Americans. And actually, trying to pit communities against each other.
[Sesay:] Because it's good for his political standing? It fires up his base?
[Noureldin:] It fires up his base and it feeds into this narrative that there is an existential threat to whiteness in this country, to Christian values in this country. For example, he released his administration released guidelines that allow for religious exceptions, which is really a license to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals. I mean, the Muslim ban, the Muslim travel ban is another example of this.
[Sesay:] Dominic, Jo Cox, as you all know, the British M.P., who was stabbed to death just before the Brexit vote by a man who yelled Britain First you know, is an example of how, you know, dangerous ideas, you know, aren't just word in isolation; they claim lives. To make the point, though, even if the man yelled "Britain First", it's not known, it's not as if he had a connection to this group behind these videos. I want you to listen to what her husband, Brandon Cox, had to say about the president's actions.
[Brandon Cox, Husband Of Jo Cox:] He was retweeting a felon. You know, somebody that was convicted of religiously aggravated harassments of an organization that is a hate-driven organization on the extreme fringes, the far, far right of British politics. This is like the president retweeting the Ku Klux Klan, you know. This is not a mainstream organization. And for the president of the United States, our greatest ally as a country to be retweeting, to be providing a microphone to those voices.
[Sesay:] I mean, Dominic, it is hard to overstate the significance of what the president did in retweeting these videos, and giving Britain first exactly what they wanted.
[Dominic Thomas, Chair Of The Department Of French And Francophone Studies At Ucla:] Right. It's the oxygen that feeds the rhetoric of these political groups in a country in which freedom of speech regulations are very clear about threats and insults and incitements to racial hatred. And this has been a particularly serious issue since the Brexit referendum, since the London Bridge and Westminster attacks, where attacks hate crimes which are fueled prejudice and have been targeted against ethnic minorities and Muslims in the United Kingdom. And, of course, the authorities and people are trying to deal with this, you know, in a country where there are approximately three million Muslims, who are doctors, and lawyers, and teachers, and healthcare workers, and so on.
[Sesay:] And policemen, and firemen.
[D. Thomas:] Policemen and make immeasurable contributions to this diverse society. And so, this is exactly in the broader context of Brexit and of the European Union the kind of oxygen that far-right political groups certainly should not be benefiting from, and that Donald Trump, given the fact the United Kingdom is one of the most important allies, should be very careful about how he goes about dealing with these questions. And, of course, there are precedents in his attack on the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who is himself a Muslim and an ethnic minority.
[Sesay:] Omar, I mean, just as we made a point that the Muslims in London apart and are woven into fabric of life there, it's the same here in the United States that Muslims serve in the army, and they're policemen, and farmer, and doctors, and all the rest of it. They are part of the American in fact, they are American. I mean, that's, you know, in the case of many, in the case of millions. And yet, groups like Britain First spout this notion that there is this kind of rising threat and crouching threat in Islam about to to kind of wipe out Western civilization. And then, you had Sarah Sanders, the White House Spokesperson, essentially saying, it doesn't matter if the videos are real or not, because the threat is real. So, speak to that, that notion.
[Noureldin:] Well, I want to make a point that also Britain First has analogist organization right here in the United States and that's Act for America. And their founder, Brigitte Gabriel, a few months ago tweeted outside the White House, you know, like a selfie, I'm going to have my moment at the White House. So, not only is the president retweeting these sorts of individuals, they also now have a place in the White House. I mean, the President's Former Adviser, Sebastian Gorka, which was also been linked to far-right nationalist groups and neo-Nazi groups in Europe, was a senior adviser in the White House. So, this isn't just you know, retweeting is one of the most public ways of doing it, but this type of idea is entrenched within this administration.
[Sesay:] Yes.
[Noureldin:] And you know, Huckabee Sanders what I would call it is actually a post-text. A lot of the stuff they've tried to do is give a pretext for discrimination. She now, you know, wasn't allowed that pretext.
[Sesay:] Yes.
[Noureldin:] So, she's trying to get a post-text. And you can't just slap national security on anything and that makes it all OK, right?
[Sesay:] Yes.
[Noureldin:] National security is a real issue. And Americans all Americans, American Muslims care about the security of our country. We care about the security of our cities, of our schools. We want our kids to be able to go to school without being bullied. I think what gets lost here in the national security part is the national who are we as a nation? And I think Donald Trump doesn't get that.
[Sesay:] I mean, Dominic, the politicians across the aisle of every stripe in the U.K. came out and rapidly, swiftly condemned the president's actions in retweeting these videos. I want to put up for you a tweet by David Lambie, British M.P., so we can see what he said. He said, "Trump sharing Britain First, let that sink in. The president of the United States is promoting a fascist, racist, extremist hate group whose leaders are being arrested and convicted. He is no ally or friend of ours." I guess the question is: are there long-term implications for the U.S.-U.K. relationship here?
[D. Thomas:] Yes, there are. And every single time he steps in and makes these kinds of derogatory comments about the United Kingdom or about the United Kingdom's treatment of domestic issues, whether they are concerned with terror, security, respect and so on, and it further impacts this relationship. So, of course, the question of his state visit to the United Kingdom is becoming, you know, an incredible, really, problematic issue. And I think, or even in the case of Theresa May, the initial proximity that she had with this new Atlantic president is becoming a liability for her. And here, what we're seeing really is a complete, sort of crisis American leadership of how to engage with one's partners around the world. And to play the role of the president whose function is to about respect, and values of tolerance, and so on and so forth; not to provide the fuel that exacerbates these tensions and has dramatic impacts on societies that are trying to deal with very complex questions of understanding and so on.
[Sesay:] Yes. It is a significant moment. And Dominic Thomas, and Omar Noureldin thank you so much. We appreciate it.
[Noureldin:] Thank you.
[Sesay:] Thank you.
[Vause:] Until now, Britain First was seen as an appalling small fringe group with few followers. Now, the U.S. president has exposed their anti-Muslim message to millions of his followers, and no one can explain how it was that Mr. Trump came to see their videos in the first place. It's just another example of his recent behavior which seems erratic and reckless. After sparking international outrage, the president then went on to deliver a speech promoting tax reform when he made this demonstrably false claim about his achievements in office.
[Donald Trump, President Of The United States:] We've already made tremendous progress, far greater than I would've thought. I will tell you this in a non-braggadocios way
[Trump:] there has never been a 10-month president that has accomplished what we have accomplished, that I can tell you. That I can tell you.
[Vause:] This speech was all about the key minor speech is all about promoting tax reform, when Mr. Trump unexpectedly insulted North Korea Leader, Kim Jong-un.
[Trump:] These massive tax cuts will be rocket fuel The little rocket man. Rocket fuel for the American economy. He is a sick puppy.
[Vause:] And this week began with the president attacking a political opponent with the word, which is used to insult Native Americans, and he did it while he was honoring Native American war veterans.
[Trump:] I just want to thank you because you're very, very special people. You were here long before any of us were here. Although we have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas. But you know what, I like you because you are special.
[Vause:] And there are a number of reports which say President Trump is questioning the authenticity of the "Access Hollywood" tape you know, the one where he made those all comments about grabbing women. Comments which he actually apologized for on the same day the tape came out. And The New York Times, also reporting Mr. Trump is again heading to birther land, asking questions about Barack Obama's birth certificate. And joining us now is CNN Political Commentators, Democratic Strategist, Dave Jacobson; and Republican Consultant, John Thomas. John, what's going on with the president?
[John Thomas, Cnn Political Commentator And Republican Consultant:] Well, the Pocahontas thing, I mean, people say that he was there to use a racial slur but he was actually trying to draw a distinction between people who use race to, you know, exploit for personal gain, and people who are actual heroes
[Dave Jacobson, Cnn Political Commentator And Democratic Strategist:] Come on.
[J. Thomas:] That's exactly what he did.
[Vause:] Look at the whole. I mean, the whole picture. A lot of people are now saying is he unhinged? Is he losing his grip on things? Is he cracking under the pressure of the Mueller investigation? What's happening?
[J. Thomas:] I mean, I don't think there's been a moment whether it was on the campaign trail or during this presidency where we've had tranquility.
[Jacobson:] That's true.
[Vause:] That's right.
[J. Thomas:] You know, I don't really know certainly a lot transpiring. But it's also just an of D.C.s. I don't think the president's unhinged. Look, we're on the verge of passing a major legislative achievement.
[Vause:] His first.
[J. Thomas:] Right. So, if he gets that done, I don't know if he's necessarily unhinged. And the fact that the president does go off- script and maybe definitely has off-script conversations behind closed doors that's not a surprise here. So, I just think it's another day in Trump White House.
[Vause:] Dave, it's pretty clear that no one can control the president at his Twitter account. But can the White House continue to ignore this type of thing when it's impacting foreign policy and foreign relations? And we're not talking relations with Britain. You have to imagine what impact this would be on U.S. allies, in the Middle East like U.S.-Saudi Arabia, for instance you know, a key ally in the Middle East.
[Jacobson:] Right. And like, this goes to the point that John Kelly had made, you know, weeks ago where people were asking about the tweets, and he said I don't believe
[Vause:] Yes. You know, John, the White House is arguing that it doesn't really matter the videos that he retweeted if it's real or fake, you know. The issue is that the president's bringing him tension too, you know, security of the country and that kind of stuff. But, you know, among other issues, is this administration using fake evidence to prove a point?
[J. Thomas:] Beyond crowd size?
[Vause:] Yes.
[Jacobson:] I was going to say.
[J. Thomas:] No, no. I mean, look, it does matter. You shouldn't retweet fake things.
[Vause:] Which you also shouldn't say it doesn't matter if it's fake, either.
[J. Thomas:] No, they're trying to walk back something
[Vause:] But he has got no other
[J. Thomas:] That can't be yes, that's the position they find themselves in, but he shouldn't have retweeted it. But look, by and large, I know Dave probably disagrees, I like his Twitter account by and large, because I actually get a real honest account of what the president's thinking, for better or for worse depending upon your perspective. But these kinds of retweets, I know I've been guilty not of retweeting extreme stuff, but, you know, accidentally thinking it's a real account, it's a parody account. But nonetheless, the president's got to tighten it up.
[Jacobson:] I'm sorry, I don't think I'm crazy to say that, like, there should be some sort of, like, the vetting process for the leader of the free world, the president of the United States. Like before the tweets goes out or before there's a retweet, there needs to be some systemic, like process internally. Unfortunately, we're not going to see that, but I'm sure like other White Houses like Obama administration is doing
[J. Thomas:] So much so
[Jacobson:] I'm sure there were multiple people who
[J. Thomas:] gets watered down I never would read them.
[Vause:] You know, beyond the impact this could have on U.S.-British relations, it will be
[J. Thomas:] And that really is the, to me, the risk of these tweets in things he says off cuff is there are legal ramifications to it? I mean, I don't see an upside there that they undermine their cause legally. And look, there's a lot of people that disagree with the president, especially Democrats, whether they're trying to block him from appointing people in his own administration. So, words do have legal consequence. I think we're going to continue to suffer from those, those, and it's going to undermine his agenda.
[Jacobson:] Well, and I'm not a lawyer, but, like, let's also go back to like the campaign rhetoric, right? He wanted to ban all Muslims from coming in the country. And so, the question is, like: are those going to be incorporated into a legal case?
[Vause:] And could have used those words in restraining orders or putting the travel ban on hold, that kind of stuff. OK. This is the president, as you actually said he on the verge of getting his tax cuts through Congress first big win of the administration. Part of the sales pitch, though, seems to include a great big fat lie.
[Trump:] We're also going to eliminate tax breaks and complex loopholes taken advantage of by the wealthy who are they, I don't know. I think my accountants are going crazy right now. It's all right. Hey, look, I'm president. I don't care. I don't care anymore. I don't care. Some of my wealthy friends, care. Me, I don't care. This is a higher calling. Do we agree?
[Vause:] You know, Dave, if his accounts' going crazy it's because, you know, he's about to get a really big tax cut. And that's big proof.
[Jacobson:] Yeah, of course. I mean, and he should also talk to his Treasury Secretary, Steve Mnuchin, who said just weeks ago that doing away with the estate tax was going to, you know, be a win for the wealthiest Americans out there. But look, if you look largely at this tax bill first of all, it's got 25 percent approval rating according to Quinnipiac's latest poll. That's a lower approval rating than President Trump's. It's amazing, right?
[Vause:] Yes. number one. Number two, like, this gives permanent tax cuts to big Wall Street corporation from 35 percent to 20 percent permanently. It only lowers taxes for
[J. Thomas:] I think that Barack Obama agree that the corporate tax level needed to be
[Jacobson:] Well, and lastly, it actually raises taxes on millions of Americans. Take California, for example our population is 110 of the U.S. population. It raises taxes on people who pay high local and estate taxes.
[J. Thomas:] You're right. But, you know, Trump was being partially truthful there in the sense that he has a home in New York
[Vause:] Right.
[J. Thomas:] and the exemption is limited. And so, he will suffer in that environment.
[Vause:] I want to finish up with this. This is a report from The Washington Post explaining, possibly, the president's behavior: "Trump has internalized the belief that he can largely operate with impunity, people close to him said. His political base cheers him on, fellow Republicans leaders largely stand by him. His staff scrambles to explain away his misbehavior, or even to laugh it off. And the White House disciplinarian Chief of Staff, John Kelly, has said it is not his job to control the president." So, John, no consequences so far, but could there be consequences for all of this come to the midterm elections?
[J. Thomas:] It's possible. I mean, there are warning signs of danger. Virginia was a warning sign.
[Vause:] New Jersey.
[J. Thomas:] The generic ballot that we look at historically is lopsided in favor of Democrats. It's still a ways' out but there are some warning signs. I think the president is going back to what's worked for him in the past. I mean, look, the president was himself, and now he's the president. So, that's what he's relying upon. I tend to think members of Congress will actually be able to have their cake and eat it too. They're going to embrace him when it's useful and distance themselves when it's also useful because Trump is thought to be his own person.
[Vause:] Right.
[J. Thomas:] He's an own you know, a unique breed of politician.
[Vause:] Speaking out there.
[J. Thomas:] Yes. So, I actually think Republicans will be able to parse that. But it certainly is not the traditional playbook.
[Vause:] 30 seconds to finish it off, Dave.
[Jacobson:] I go into John's point: the generic ballots has Democrats leading by double digits. That's significant. The fact that this tax bill may potentially get through it's got 25 percent approval rating. Democrats are going to glue Republicans to it and hammer them over the head with it.
[J. Thomas:] I hope so. I hope so.
[Jacobson:] And then, lastly, if Doug Moore
[Vause:] Roy Moore.
[Jacobson:] pardon me, Roy Moore, pardon me, actually wins the election, that is going to build and enshrine a very toxic brand when it comes to the GOP and Democrats are going to capitalize on.
[Vause:] Healthcare plan, rated 17 percent.
[Jacobson:] Right, even worse.
[Vause:] Dave and John, as always, thank you.
[Jacobson:] Thanks.
[J. Thomas:] Thank you.
[Sesay:] Quick break here. Another U.S. personality is fired after allegations of sexual misconduct. This time, it's NBC News morning show veteran, Matt Lauer, and the stories that are emerging about him and much more coming out. More when we return.