Former Obama advisor David Axelrod expressed his surprise on Monday, finding President Trump's willingness to engage with the press a welcome change after former President Biden's tendency to avoid reporters. Axelrod, speaking on CNN, commented on Trump's impromptu question-and-answer session with reporters on his first day in office, suggesting it was a deliberate contrast to Biden's media strategy.
CNN's Anderson Cooper echoed this sentiment, noting the unusual nature of a president fielding questions in the Oval Office so soon after inauguration. Axelrod agreed, emphasizing the significance of a president's words and the potential impact they can have. He reiterated his past criticism of Biden's limited press interactions, stating that presidential transparency is beneficial, particularly when combined with honesty.
David Axelrod commented on President Trump's interactions with reporters. (Screenshot/CNN)
However, Axelrod also condemned Trump's decision to pardon individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot, criticizing Trump's characterization of them as "hostages." Axelrod pointed out that these individuals were either convicted of or admitted to crimes committed while attempting to disrupt the certification of the election results. He suggested the only possible justification for the pardons was the fact that these individuals acted based on the false claim of a stolen election propagated by Trump himself. Trump's pardon encompassed over 1,500 individuals charged with crimes related to the January 6th attack.
President Trump arrives at the U.S. Capitol for his inauguration on January 20, 2025. (Melina Mara/Pool/Getty Images)
CNN's Kaitlan Collins later reported that Trump's interaction with the press lasted 45 minutes, during which he discovered the traditional letter left for him by his predecessor, Biden.
