President Trump said the press makes him out to be less intelligent and more uncouth than he actually is, pointing out that he went to an Ivy League college.
Trump, speaking to reporters before leaving for a fundraiser in Texas, made the comments after ripping Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake who made a long speech on the Senate floor Tuesday criticizing Trump.
Trump said much of that is due to press coverage.
“I think the press makes me more uncivil than I am. You know, people don’t understand. I went to an Ivy League college,” Trump said. “I was a nice student. I did very well. I’m a very intelligent person. You know, the fact is, I think, I really believe, I think the press creates a different image of Donald Trump than the real person.”
Trump also defended his mental aptitude when discussing his call with Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson. The sergeant was killed in Niger during an ambush by ISIS-affiliated fighters.
Trump said there’s no way he could have forgotten La David Johnson’s name during the call, as Myeshia Johnson said he did, because he has a terrific memory.
“I was really nice to her. I respect her. I respect her family. I certainly respect La David, who I by the way I called La David right from the beginning just so you understand,” he said.
“They put a chart in front, La David. It says La David Johnson. So, I — right from the beginning, there’s no hesitation, one of the great memories of all time. There was no hesitation. I think she’s a fantastic woman. I was extremely nice to her. Extremely respectful.”
