

In this Sept. 29, 2016, file photo, a woman holds up her cellphone before a rally with then presidential candidate Donald Trump in Bedford, N.H. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Sean Spicer and Sarah Huckabee Sanders are supposed to speak for President Trump — hence their spokesman titles. But sometimes they would rather not do this, especially when Trump is tweeting.

And there's a tell for when they really have no interest in vouching for what their boss says: When they say Trump's tweets "speak for themselves," or some variant. They do this a lot. Here are a bunch of examples:

1. On Trump's tweet about Obama allegedly wiretapping him

Here's how Spicer responded Monday to reporters' questions about this evidence-free claim:

"I'm just going to let the tweet speak for itself." - Sean Spicer — Adrian Carrasquillo (@Carrasquillo) March 6, 2017

Huckabee Sanders offered the same response to the same questions Sunday on ABC. "I would say that his tweet speaks for itself there," Huckabee Sanders said, adding later: "I will let the president speak for himself."

Host Martha Raddatz responded incredulously: "You're his spokesperson."

2. When Obama targeted the FBI for not rooting out leakers

The FBI is totally unable to stop the national security "leakers" that have permeated our government for a long time. They can't even...... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2017

find the leakers within the FBI itself. Classified information is being given to media that could have a devastating effect on U.S. FIND NOW — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2017

Spicer's response to whether FBI Director James B. Comey or anybody else would be fired: "I think I will leave it at the president's tweet speaks for itself."

3. Saying Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) cried "fake tears" over Trump's travel ban

Nancy Pelosi and Fake Tears Chuck Schumer held a rally at the steps of The Supreme Court and mic did not work (a mess)-just like Dem party! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 31, 2017

Spicer: "I think the president's tweet speaks very clearly for itself."

4. Threatening General Motors with a big tariff for cars made in Mexico.

General Motors is sending Mexican made model of Chevy Cruze to U.S. car dealers-tax free across border. Make in U.S.A.or pay big border tax! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2017

Spicer: "I think the tweet on General Motors speaks for itself."

5. Promising that North Korea won't get an intercontinental ballistic missile

North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2017

Spicer: "I think, again, that speaks for itself. Under his watch, he's going to make sure that that doesn't happen."

6. Saying he would have won the popular vote if that was the electoral system

Campaigning to win the Electoral College is much more difficult & sophisticated than the popular vote. Hillary focused on the wrong states! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 21, 2016

I would have done even better in the election, if that is possible, if the winner was based on popular vote - but would campaign differently — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 21, 2016

Campaign and transition spokesman Jason Miller: "Now, with regard to the earlier question regarding the president-elect with his tweets: I'll go ahead and let those speak for themselves."

7. Questioning whether Russia was behind the 2016 election hacking

If Russia, or some other entity, was hacking, why did the White House wait so long to act? Why did they only complain after Hillary lost? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 15, 2016

Miller: "Well, I'd let the president-elect's tweets speak for themselves."

8. Complaining about Obama's handling of the transition period

Doing my best to disregard the many inflammatory President O statements and roadblocks.Thought it was going to be a smooth transition - NOT! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 28, 2016

We cannot continue to let Israel be treated with such total disdain and disrespect. They used to have a great friend in the U.S., but....... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 28, 2016

not anymore. The beginning of the end was the horrible Iran deal, and now this (U.N.)! Stay strong Israel, January 20th is fast approaching! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 28, 2016

Spicer: "With respect to the tweets, they speak for themselves, I think very clearly."

About the only thing that's clear here, though, is that nobody wants to defend Trump's tweets.