In a truly must-read piece of political (or entertainment?) journalism, the New Yorker’s Ryan Lizza expounded Thursday on a call he received from Anthony Scaramucci, the new White House communications director. If you hadn’t learned already from that time he tweeted a fake Mark Twain quote, Scaramucci is quite a character.
Lizza detailed the call, which came after Lizza tweeted on Wednesday that Scaramucci was having dinner at the White House with President Donald Trump, the First Lady, Sean Hannity, and Bill Shine, a former Fox News executive. Lizza cited a “senior White House official.”
Scaramucci demanded to learn who leaked the story—it was a big scoop—but Lizza refused to give up his source. Scaramucci repeatedly threatened to fire his whole staff.
“I ask these guys not to leak anything and they can’t help themselves,” he said. “You’re an American citizen, this is a major catastrophe for the American country. So I’m asking you as an American patriot to give me a sense of who leaked it.”
Scaramucci said he asked for a “honeymoon period” without leaks, but the team would not comply.
He then said he had no interest in media attention—unlike some other White House officials.
“I’m not Steve Bannon, I’m not trying to suck my own cock,” Scaramucci said, referring to Trump’s chief strategist. “I’m not trying to build my own brand off the fucking strength of the President. I’m here to serve the country.”
After the report became public, Scaramucci offered a not-exactly-an-apology apology.
I sometimes use colorful language. I will refrain in this arena but not give up the passionate fight for @realDonaldTrump's agenda. #MAGA
The piece is insane. You can read it here.