Over the weekend, Sinclair stations across the country promoted "news" stories about the Trump campaign selling new Keep America Great hats.
The story includes important information like "Donald Trump's re-election campaign has rolled out new hats as the President aims for another four-year term in 2020" and "The hat, which is made in the United States, costs $25.00."
At least one station, @KUTV2News in #SaltLakeCity, linked directly to the Trump Campaign's online store.
The story appears to have originated at @CBS6Albany last Thursday. Interestingly, it appears to be one of the Sinclair stations that DIDN'T promote it on Twitter.
This isn't the first time I've stumbled upon something like this.
ABC O&Os were linking directly to the Trump campaign in June:
Thank you to @rmneiss for letting us play with the “Official Statement”generator yesterday. His @realpresssecbot was one of the primary inspirations for this account, so this is kind of a perfect bookend.
I started @TrumpEmail because I couldn't believe the tenor of the vitriol and the brazenness of the lies when Trump emails unexpectedly started showing up in my inbox. I was surprised nobody else was already putting these into the public record and took it on as a pet project.
From: RNC HQ
Subject: We need your support
Preheader: Are you ready to step up?
“Friend,
Today begins a new chapter in our Country.
While the Left promises to implement their Big Government Socialist Agenda, the Republican Party will need to come together and work even harder if we’re going to continue putting America FIRST.”
“The Democrats have control of the White House, the Senate, and the House, and our Party will be relying on you now more than ever.”
From: Official GOP Polling
Subject: The Radical Media
Preheader: We need to hold them accountable.
“Friend,
The media needs to be held accountable.
They are working overtime to drive the Nation further apart by lying about Conservatives. They want America to be divided so much that they stoop so low as to spread false narratives.”
“YOU are one of our BEST supporters, and we really want to know what you think about the radical media. We need you to take our Official Mainstream Media Accountability Survey.
With your help, we’ll hold the media accountable for their attempts to DIVIDE the Nation.”
🏆 Welcome to the non-televised portion of the People’s Choice Awards for the 2nd ever GRIFTYS 🏆
I am your humble host, Moira Rose! We are live from the Second Street Playhouse in Elmdale for a star-studded event highlighting the worst of 2020's Trump fundraising emails.
Donald J. Trump & DonaldJTrump•com send the most emails, but they have plenty of support. Our 2020 finalists for Best Supporting Actor included Mike Pence, Eric Trump, and Lara Trump.
With 152 emails, the GRIFTY goes to:
🏆 the President’s large adult bébé, DONALD TRUMP JR. 🏆
The campaign emails portray many political opponents as enemies: AOC, Ilhan Omar, Adam Schiff, Hillary Clinton, etc.
But with 6️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ references since becoming the Democratic candidate in April, the GRIFTY for Best Villain goes to:
From: Ronna McDaniel, RNC Chairwoman
Subject: I love this Country
“Friend,
I am proud to share with you that I have been unanimously re-elected to run the Republican National Committee for the 2022 Election Cycle. I want to thank President Trump and our entire Party for continuing to place their trust in me.”
“I wanted to reach out to you first because you are one of our most loyal grassroots supporters, who has been there for us no matter what, and we need you on our team as a 2021 Sustaining Member.”