Pelosi Explodes When Asked if She 'Hates' Trump During Presser - WATCH
Democratic House speaker flips at reporter: 'Don't mess with me!'
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Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) exploded during a Thursday presser when a reporter appeared to question whether she "hates" President Donald Trump.
As Pelosi left the stage after wrapping up the presser, a reporter asked her if she “hates the president.”
Speaker Pelosi lashed out at the reporter before marching back to the podium, insisting that she doesn’t hate Trump and prays for him.
After telling the press that she doesn't "hate anybody," she scolded the reporter, warning "don't mess with me."
According to other members of the press in the room, Sinclair reporter James Rosen asked Pelosi: "Do you hate the president?"
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Pelosi angrily responded, “We don’t hate anybody, not anybody in the world.”
“I think the president is a coward... when it comes to helping our kids who are afraid of gun violence,” she said as she returned to the stage.
"I think he is cruel when he doesn’t deal with helping our Dreamers, of which we’re very proud.
"I think he’s in denial about the climate crisis. However, that’s about the election."
“This is about the–take it up in the election.
"This is about the Constitution of the United States and the facts, that lead to the president’s violation of his oath of office, and as a Catholic, I resent your using the word hate in the sentence that addresses me.”
“I don’t hate anyone. I was raised in a way that is–a heart full of love, and always pray for the president,” she said.
"And I still pray for the president. I pray for the president all the time.
"So, don’t mess with me when it comes to words like that," Pelosi warned as she wagged her finger at Rosen.
A reporter asks Nancy Pelosi if she "hates the president."
— ABC News (@ABC) December 5, 2019
"I don't hate anybody," she says in a strong response. "As a Catholic, I resent your using the word hate in a sentence that addresses me...Don't mess with me when it comes to words like that." https://t.co/gw1UdPVuFp pic.twitter.com/UmPs57hKlZ
On Thursday, Pelosi announced she would ask House Democrats to move forward with impeachment against President Trump.
“The president leaves us no choice but to act,” the California Democrat said.
“Sadly, but with confidence and humility, with allegiance to our founders and a heart full of love for America, today I am asking our chairmen to proceed with Articles of Impeachment.”
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After Pelosi's presser, President Trump appeared to address the issue on Twitter.
"Nancy Pelosi just had a nervous fit," he tweeted.
"She hates that we will soon have 182 great new judges and sooo much more. Stock Market and employment records. She says she 'prays for the President.'
"I don’t believe her, not even close. Help the homeless in your district Nancy. USMCA?"
Nancy Pelosi just had a nervous fit. She hates that we will soon have 182 great new judges and sooo much more. Stock Market and employment records. She says she “prays for the President.” I don’t believe her, not even close. Help the homeless in your district Nancy. USMCA?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 5, 2019
The exchange came during the Speaker's weekly press briefing and just after she publicly called for articles of impeachment against Trump -- a significant development as the House Judiciary Committee holds public hearings in House Democrats' ongoing impeachment inquiry.
"Today, I am asking our chairman to proceed with articles of impeachment," she said, referring to House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY).
Thursday's showdown was just the latest of stern condemnations to come from Pelosi.
She previously knocked Rosen, a former Fox News reporter, in November, describing him as "Mr. Republican talking points" after he asked a question about Trump getting the right to confront his accuser in the Ukraine controversy.
Pelosi has repeatedly invoked her Catholic faith when getting testy with reporters -- particularly with her stance on abortion.
The California congresswoman has described herself as a "devout practicing Catholic," identifying with what is perhaps the largest pro-life organization in the world.
Catholic clergy have repeatedly condemned both the act itself and pro-choice political advocacy.
Vatican officials have reportedly said Pelosi should be denied the sacrament of Holy Communion and the last pope -- Pope Benedict XVI -- personally reminded her of the Church's stance on the issue during a private meeting.
