A comedian says he prank-called Trump and Jared Kushner patched him through - here is the full transcript of that call
- President Donald Trump appears to have been on the receiving end of a prank phone call while aboard Air Force One.
- Comedian John Melendez, host of "The Stuttering John Podcast" and a frequent guest on Howard Stern's radio show, impersonated Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey during the call.
- Despite the senator's chief of staff telling the legislative office that Menendez was not trying to call Trump, the call was reportedly routed by Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kusher.
President Donald Trump appears to have been on the receiving end of a prank phone call from comedian John Melendez, while aboard Air Force One.
Melendez, host of "The Stuttering John Podcast" and a frequent guest on Howard Stern's radio show, impersonated Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey on the call, which wound up going through the White House's switchboard.
Melendez was eventually transferred to the president's line aboard Air Force One by Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kusher, according to Politico. The call was patched through to Trump, despite Sen. Menendez's chief of staff telling the legislative office that the real Menendez was not trying to call Trump.
During the call, a voice resembling Trump's congratulated the comedian, whom he didn't appear to know was impersonating the senator. Menendez had been facing corruption charges until federal prosecutors dropped them earlier this year. Those charges stemmed from accusations that Menendez was taking favors from Salomon Melgen, a Florida eye doctor, in exchange for trips on private jets, luxury hotel visits, and campaign contributions.
During the prank call, comedian Melendez also appeared to press Trump on the upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court bench. Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement earlier this week.