A top New York Times reporter who has covered President-elect Donald Trump extensively for years said Monday night that Eric Trump gave a “warning shot" to GOP legal strategist Boris Epshteyn.
The assessment from Maggie Haberman on "The Source" came after the incoming president’s son reacted to Fox News earlier Monday when asked about reports that Epshteyn, a longtime Trump aide, profited by selling access to Trump’s inner circle.
“I’ve known Boris for years, and I’ve never known him to be anything but a good human being,” the younger Trump told Fox News host Laura Ingraham. “That said, I will tell you, my father has been incredibly clear – you do not — you do not do that under any circumstance. I certainly hope the reporting is false, and I can also tell you if it's true, you know, the person will probably no longer be around.”
Haberman and CNN’s Kaitlan Collins both had the same reaction.
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“Well, that's actually not very, that's not subtle,” Haberman said after watching the Fox News clip.
“Right? That was my reaction,” Collins said.
Haberman went on to express a starker view of Eric Trump’s remarks.
“It was gentle about Boris Epshteyn, but it’s a warning – I interpret that as a warning shot,” she said.
“Yeah, that's a red line,” added Ellie Honig. He noted that Trump’s former “fixer” and attorney Michael Cohen had a falling out with his ex-boss over money issues.
“Donald Trump didn't want him profiting, and Michael Cohen ended up stealing from Donald Trump, that came out in the trial,” Honig said.
Watch the clip at this link.