This is next level bizarre.
Donald Trump is well known for saying things that outrage many, but you'd assume that paying tribute to a legend who has just passed away would be pretty straightforward.
Multiple reporters from the White House press pool have reported that Trump's tribute to Aretha Franklin, who died today at the age of 76, contained the claim she "worked for him" and also featured the phrase "warmest best wishes" to the family of the deceased.
Trump made the remarks at the beginning of a cabinet meeting on Thursday morning.
Associated Press reporter Zeke Miller notes the President as having said, "I want to begin today by expressing my condolences to the family of a person I knew well. She worked for me on numerous occasions. She was terrific."
https://twitter.com/ZekeJMiller/status/1030135026401390592
https://twitter.com/yashar/status/1030123765558964224
There later emerged video of footage of Trump giving the remarks.
https://twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status/1030151061003296769
As of Thursday evening, it is unclear what exactly Trump meant by the statement that Ms. Franklin "worked for him," though some have assumed that it refers to her having performed at one of his casinos.
Trump also paid tribute to the "Queen of Soul" on Twitter, this time neglecting to mention that she "worked for [him] on numerous occasions."
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1030116078125568006
