President Donald Trump’s strategist Steve Bannon has been accused of borrowing a quote from popular Broadway show Hamilton during a panel discussion at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
Bannon appeared on a CPAC panel together with White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus showcasing unity and discussing internal White House operations.
At one point, however, the Chief Strategist said: “When we had this campaign we were outgunned, outmanned, you know, outspent,” sparking accusations of borrowing a quote from a hit Broadway show Hamilton – a hip-hop musical about the founding fathers of America, ITV reports.
People on social media quickly pointed out the similarity with a line sung in the musical by George Washington’s troops. In a song called “Right Hand Man” the lyrics goes: “We are outgunned, outmanned, outnumbered, outplanned.”
Steve Bannon just said that the Trump campaign was "outgunned, outmanned" and that may be the worst Hamilton shoutout in history
— Hayes Brown (@HayesBrown) February 23, 2017
Oh my goodness, EVIL Steve Bannon just quoted HAMILTON at CPAC. "Out gunned, out manned, out spent…" Im gonna hurl. Sorry @Lin_Manuel. YUK
— LindaMilazzo (@LindaMilazzo) February 23, 2017
The Trump Administration has a conflicted relationship with the musical. Back in November last year, the cast of Hamilton called out Vice President Mike Pence on stage and the audience booed him.
They also read out a statement at the end of the show, saying “We, sir, are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us: our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, sir.”
During the performance, according to reports, the audience also gave a 3 minute ovation to the King George character as the actor glared at Pence and sang “You’re on your own” right at him.
President Trump denounced the musical, tweeting: “Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing. This should not happen!”
“The Theater must always be a safe and special place.The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize!” he added in another tweet.
