Two CNN anchors broke out laughing over news that a comedian and radio host had reportedly managed to have his phone call returned by President Trump aboard Air Force One this week.
Anchors Christi Paul and Victor Blackwell were discussing comedian John Melendez, known for his role as Howard Stern’s longtime sidekick “Stuttering John,” who said this week that Trump called him back after he phoned the White House pretending to be Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) supposedly calling to talk about immigration.
“So follow us here, comedian John Melendez pretended to be Sen. Robert Menendez and spoke to President Trump about immigration and the Supreme Court — without the president realizing this was all a joke,” Blackwell said.
{mosads}
Blackwell then brought on CNN media analyst Brian Stelter to discuss the story.
“I don’t know what to say,” Stelter said, holding his head in his hands as Blackwell and Paul laughed.
“I think that pretty much says it all,” Paul said, imitating his head movement.
Stelter then quipped about CNN press access, catching Blackwell and his co-anchor off guard.
“It makes me want to call the White House, maybe we can finally get an interview with the president,” Stelter joked.
Melendez posted audio of his apparent call with the president on his podcast Friday. The White House has not denied that the call occurred.
In the clip a man’s voice, supposedly the president’s, congratulates who he believes to be the New Jersey senator for prevailing against previous corruption charges against him.
“You went through a tough, tough situation. And I don’t think a very fair situation, but congratulations,” the man says.
CNN frequently has criticized Trump’s decision to rarely grant interviews to news outlets, instead favoring conservative Fox News hosts like Sean Hannity for appearances.
Stelter and the network are often particularly critical of “Fox & Friends,” the long-running Fox News morning program on which Trump is interviewed frequently.