Via his preferred method of communication for offering opinion on such frivolous topics, President Donald Trump took to Twitter to express his excitement about Sean Spicer getting cast on Dancing with the Stars. Amid a whirlwind of criticism, Trump decided to take a public stand behind his former White House press secretary.
No Dancing with the Stars casting decision turned more heads than the inclusion of Spicer. Since his departure from the White House six months into Trump's presidency, Spicer's television appearances have been met with backlash, with many unhappy with the role he played while embroiled in the political sphere. Spicer and Trump had previously disagreed over the hiring of Anthony Scaramucci as press secretary in the lead-up to Spicer resigning, but the president has been known to voice approval for those on his side of the political aisle when they are under fire. Spicer recently defended himself in an interview, suggesting that he just wants to enjoy himself. Host Tom Bergeron has publicly stated that he was against Spicer being on the show because he knew it would lead to divisiveness. Queer Eye's Karamo Brown tweeted in defense of Spicer, adding that he hoped the two would be able to have a conversation to understand each other's different views.
In response to the uproar, Trump tweeted, "Just heard that Sean Spicer will be on 'Dancing with the Stars.' He will do great. A terrific person who loves our Country dearly." This came one day after Spicer was revealed on Good Morning America as one of the stars competing on the show. By this point, many who were irked with ABC's decision had already threatened not to watch the show. Trump stood behind his former staffer, while others veered in the opposite direction.
Bergeron had commented that his job during Dancing with the Stars is to take on the role of Switzerland, not taking sides. However, as he told Entertainment Weekly Live, “for the other 166 hours a week, I am pretty clear where I stand politically.” Without delving too far into the Spicer's transgressions as press secretary that made him such a controversial public figure, Bergeron said that Spicer is a "political lightning rod."
This kerfuffle that Spicer has caused by simply waltzing out on the Good Morning America stage behind a podium to be announced as a dancer-in-training is something ABC must have seen coming. In fact, the show probably figured Trump would find a way to offer his support as well. Although it has brought the show plenty of negative press, it's also thrust the series back into the national spotlight. After taking the spring off, that had to be what Dancing with the Stars was hoping. The question is whether it will be worth a potential uptick in viewership.
Dancing with the Stars premieres Monday, September 16 at 8pm on ABC.
Source: Donald Trump