Sinclair segment criticizes outrage over Trump’s separation policy

Sinclair Broadcast Group ran a segment on its 193 local news networks this week criticizing the outrage over President Trump’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy that separated migrant families at the U.S. border, according to New York magazine.

The clip by Sinclair downplayed the issue of family separations, saying it was concocted by politically motivated liberals.

“Many members of the media and opponents of the president have seized on this issue to make it seem as if those who are tough on immigration are somehow monsters,” former Trump spokesman Boris Epshteyn said in the segment. “Let’s be honest: While some of the concern is real, a lot of it is politically driven by the liberals in politics and the media.”

Trump faced unrelenting criticism this past week from Republican and Democratic lawmakers for a policy that resulted in thousands of families being separated at the U.S.-Mexico border. The president then signed an executive order on Wednesday that put an end to the practice, but it remains unclear how or when the families will be reunited.

Epshteyn applauded Trump’s decision, saying he balanced “humanity with security for our borders.”

“The view that border security and humane treatment of families are mutually exclusive is wrong,” Epshteyn said on air. “That narrative is also incredibly harmful to finding a comprehensive solution to the problem of illegal immigration.”

He later slammed Congress for its failure to take up immigration reform, echoing Trump’s demands that lawmakers pass legislation that enhances border security.

Sinclair drew widespread criticism in March when it required its local anchors to speak out against the “troubling trend of irresponsible, one-sided news stories plaguing our country.”

The broadcaster is the largest owner of local television stations in the country, reaching 39 percent of U.S. homes. The company is now awaiting federal approval of its proposed merger with Tribune Media — a move that would give it access to more than 70 percent of America’s television audience.