‘I laughed up a lung’: Trump’s zinger to press pool is one for the ages

President Donald J. Trump dropped a hilarious zinger on the White House press pool this week while aboard Air Force One.

“Fly safely,” the president can be heard telling reporters. “You know why I say that? Because I’m on the flight. Otherwise, I wouldn’t care.”

Those who know Trump will tell you that’s his unique sense of humor. Those who wake up each morning intending to destroy the president will insist it’s just the latest example of what a soulless monster he is.

But Trump is often facetious when dealing with the media — he understands the inherent bias that works against him.

As seen in an exchange earlier this week with ABC correspondent Jon Karl, after the reporter asked the president about Attorney General Pam Bondi going after those responsible for hate speech.

“Maybe they should go after people like you. You treat me so unfairly. It’s hate. You have hate in your heart,” Trump replied with a straight face. “ABC paid me $16 million dollars. Maybe they’ll go after you.”

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Interestingly, the “fly safe ” remark comes after air traffic controllers had to “urgently” order the pilots of a Spirit Airlines flight to turn away from Air Force One earlier this week over Long Island, New York. The Spirit flight was traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Boston, as Air Force One was carrying the president.

Trump was on his way to a state visit in the United Kingdom, along with first lady Melania Trump and many others, when the Spirit flight was repeatedly told to change course.

“Spirit 1300 turn 20 degrees right,” an air traffic controller radioed, according to recordings from liveatc.net. “Pay attention, Spirit 1300 turn 20 degrees right. Spirit 1300 turn 20 degrees right, now.  Spirit wings 1300 turn 20 degrees right, immediately.”

Many on social media see Trump as a natural comedian — here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story, as seen on X:

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Tom Tillison

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