Trump Surrogate Walks Back ‘False Flag’ Tweet On JCC Threat

Image by gettyimages
Anthony Scaramucci, wealthy financier and friend of President Trump, walked back comments on Wednesday that insinuated Democrats might have been responsible for threats phoned into dozens of Jewish community centers around the country.
“I’m not suggesting the Democrats were behind it. What I was really suggesting in that tweet is that we actually don’t know who’s behind it,” he said in a tense interview with CNN’s Alyse Camarota, as she confronted him over his tweets.
It’s not yet clear who the #JCC offenders are. Don’t forget @TheDemocrats effort to incite violence at Trump rallies https://t.co/uTBFGhI0Kh
— Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) February 28, 2017
No, I’m saying until we know for sure it’s highly irresponsible to jump to conclusions https://t.co/wynFuUCKyT
— Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) February 28, 2017
The president acknowledged the wave of threats and vandalism against Jewish institutions during his address to Congress Tuesday night. Some have attributed the incidents to a climate more hospitable to bigotry since the president’s election last November.
Scaramucci briefly worked on Trump’s transition team, but his appointment was ultimately dropped due to ethical concerns.
Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
