CNN's Erin Burnett challenges Elise Stefanik on anti-Trump remarks before backing 2024 contender
WASHINGTON, DC: In a fiery CNN interview, Erin Burnett grilled Rep Elise Stefanik (R-NY) about her dramatic change in views regarding former President Donald Trump.
Stefanik, now a staunch supporter of Trump and a potential Republican vice-presidential nominee, appeared on the network before the highly anticipated debate between Trump and President Joe Biden.
"Obviously, your views have changed, and that is a fact, Congresswoman," Burnett began. "Here are a few things that you have said in the past that stood out to me."
Erin Burnett challenges Elise Stefanik on shift to Donald Trump ally
Burnett proceeded to show a series of clips featuring Stefanik's past criticisms of Trump, highlighting remarks on his treatment of women and his proposal for a religious test for immigrants.
"I think he has been insulting to women… I disagree with Mr Trump’s rhetoric towards women. I disagree with his belief that we should have a religious test for immigrants to this country… I don’t think that’s who we are. That’s not according to our constitutional principles," Stefanik had said.
“So, Congresswoman, I’m just trying to give you a chance so that we can all understand better,” Burnett continued. “I mean, at one point you said in 2015, ‘There’s no place for what Trump said about Muslims in this country.’ Why has your view on Trump changed?” reported Mediaite.
Elise Stefanik defends Donald Trump support, cites accomplishments
Elise Stefanik responded by emphasizing Trump’s “positive success.”
"Well, I’ve seen the positive success, and the reality, Erin, is I was the only elected Republican woman from the northeast who voted for President Trump," she explained.
"I was smeared by Democrats for doing so. And I’ve been proud to be one of his top allies. I hosted in my district in my second term in office. He signed the national defense bill. I’m proud to be the first member to endorse his reelection. We saw the success and it’s the most successful president in my lifetime in terms of growing the economy, promoting American manufacturing, rebuilding the nation’s military,” she added.
Further, Stefanik confidently predicted that Trump would dominate Biden in the debate.
