Did Obama Call Putin a Jackass?

waffles

September 9, 2013

A rumor circulating online claims that President Obama referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “jackass.” Is this true or false?

It is not true.

The rumor stems from a satirical column published by the New Yorker. Penned by Anthony Borowitz, the humorous article stated, “Hopes for a positive G20 summit crumbled today as President Obama blurted to Russia’s Vladimir Putin at a joint press appearance, “Everyone here thinks you’re a jackass.”

Borowitz’ column, the Borowitz Report, is described as “a satirical news column that has millions of readers around the world…”

Sources

• G20 Ends Abruptly as Obama Calls Putan a Jackass (Andy Borowitz, The New Yorker: September 6, 2013)
• Andy Borowitz (The New Yorker)