Anthony Scaramucci claimed Wednesday he’s launching an entity called the Scaramucci Post next week that will feature “data-dependent” news analysis and a centrist outlook.
Social media erupted with jokes and skepticism about the former White House communications director’s plans.
“He keeps referencing ‘us at the Scaramucci Post’ but is there any evidence to indicate there is someone aside from him working there?” asked one journalist, responding to a short video Scaramucci posted on Twitter.
The Scaramucci Post’s Twitter account responded to that tweet with a confusing reference to the New York Times and multiracial Santa Claus emojis.
Scaramucci publicist Howard Bragman offered no additional clarity.
Now a word from @Scaramucci about the @ScaramucciPost pic.twitter.com/lH0oMQYx6z— ScaramucciPost (@ScaramucciPost) September 27, 2017
“Assume makes an ass of you and me,” Bragman told the Washington Examiner, addressing speculation that Scaramucci may be trolling the public.
Bragman said in an email he was “unwilling” rather than unable to clarify if the Scaramucci Post will be an actual publication, or if it will be hiring journalists.
The publicist said he had no advice for journalists who want to work for the Scaramucci Post. “I’ll let you know when I see a job description,” he said.
Scaramucci was fired July 31 after 10 days as White House communications director after an obscene discussion with a journalist about his colleagues. He previously was a successful businessman, and according to a recent government disclosure form is worth up to $85 million.
Scaramucci did not respond to an email seeking comment, and attempts to glean additional information from his friends were unsuccessful.
In his video posted to Twitter, Scaramucci describes the creation of a “center lane” source of news and commentary. He said there would be an Oct. 2 launch party at the Hunt & Fish Club in New York.
“The Scaramucci Post is going to be the center lane in a two-lane highway,” Scaramucci said in the video. “The Scaramucci Post is going to be about what is right and wrong in society right now, as opposed to what is left and right.”
“There will be data-dependent arguments about policy, there will be a rationalization of what’s going on in the media to help people decipher what is real news,” he said. “What the Scaramucci Post is ultimately going to be is a world class experience.”
On Twitter, where Scaramucci has been teasing the entity since Sept. 12, journalists joked about his plans.
“@ScaramucciPost let’s talk word rates,” wrote Daily Beast reporter Spencer Ackerman.
Daily Caller media columnist Betsy Rothstein tweeted she was “starting to think @ScaramucciPost is just a big joke on Washington.”
The Scaramucci Post retweeted Rothstein.
In apparent anticipation of the launch, the web address scaramuccipost.com was registered by proxy on August 22.
There’s reason to doubt Scaramucci will follow through. He has sought media attention before without delivering, including with a cancelled August press conference reportedly organized with help from former Fox News executive Bill Shine.
In one potential bit of clarification, Bragman said Shine is not involved with the Scaramucci Post, “to the best of my knowledge.”
