CNN host Wolf Blitzer called out Donald Trump on Tuesday after the "Celebrity Apprentice" host and birther extraordinaire continued to question the authenticity of President Obama's birth certificate.
Blitzer said that he didn't understand why Trump "doubles down on this birther issue" after the state of Hawaii confirmed the legitimacy of Obama's birth certificate.
"Why are you going through all of this, Donald?" Blitzer asked. "A lot of people do not think it's an authentic certificate," Trump said. "But how can you say that?" Blitzer pressed.
Trump continued to argue that "many people" do not believe in the authenticity of Obama's certificate, and told Blitzer that if he reported the story "accurately," he might get better ratings, which Trump said he thought were "pretty small."
After Trump continued to argue in favor of birther conspiracy thories, Blitzer said, "Donald, you’re beginning to sound a little ridiculous, I have to tell you."
"No I think you are, Wolf," Trump fired back. "Let me tell you something, I think you sound ridiculous and if you’d ask me a question and let me answer it."
"Here’s the question," Blitzer interrupted. "Did the conspiracy start in 1961 where the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and the Honolulu advertiser contemporaneously published announcements that he was born in Hawaii?"
"That's right. And many people put those announcements in because they wanted to get the benefits of being so-called born in this country. Many people did it. It was something that was done by many people even though they weren’t born in the country. You know and so do I. And so do a lot of your viewers, although you don't have many viewers, Wolf," Trump argued.
Blitzer later asked Trump to give him a name of someone who considered Obama's birth certificate fake. "I don't give names," Trump pressed. "Anything else you want to say?" Blitzer said, signifying the end of the interview. "No, not at all," Trump responded.
"I think we're going to disagree on this whole issue, but that of course is your right to do so, my right as well," Blitzer said.
Watch Blitzer call out Trump in the clip above, and the full exchange below:
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
