White House staff drafted Niger sympathy statement for Trump that was never released

[kpete]

White House staff drafted Niger sympathy statement for Trump that was never released
The president has been criticized for his prolonged silence and for then making an allegedly callous statement to one of the widows.
By NAHAL TOOSI 10/18/2017 03:13 PM EDT Updated 10/18/2017 11:01 PM EDT


The draft statement, a copy of which was seen by POLITICO on Wednesday, was put together on Oct. 5 and reads as follows:

“Melania and I are heartbroken at the news that three U.S. service members were killed in Niger on October 4 while providing guidance and assistance to Nigerien security force counter-terror operations. We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of these brave American soldiers and patriots. They will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

"We are also praying for the two U.S. service members who were injured in the incident. We wish them a complete and swift recovery.

"The heroic Americans who lost their lives yesterday did so defending our freedom and fighting violent extremism in Niger. Our administration and our entire nation are deeply grateful for their sacrifice, for their service, and for their patriotism.”

The statement was circulated among NSC officials as well as Defense Department officials. But it was never released, and it was not immediately clear why.


http://www.politico.com/story/2017/10/18/trump-niger-condolence-statement-243917

Link to tweet

http://ijr.com/the-response/2017/10/1000989-trumps-disrespect-slain-soldiers-racially-motivated/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

[mercuryblues]

1. I know why

it wasn't released. It has over 140 characters. IOW it was too long for trump to read and give final approval for. He had a tee time to make.

[Sneederbunk]

2. His staff was worried that Dotard would have to read the name

Niger from a teleprompter.

[NastyRiffraff]

3. The sad thing is, that could be true. n/t