Today at his brand new Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C., Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump proved once again he is a master manipulator of media.

This week the birther issue has come up again, as President Barack Obama gets ready to leave the White House in five months. Hillary Clinton and her allies at certain media outlets believe it's an issue on which they can yet again accuse Trump of racism, so it's been the topic of the week: When is Donald Trump finally going to admit Barack Obama was born in the United States?

He did so today, but not before making those desperately waiting for his statement look like fools.

First, he told the press there would be a press conference at Trump International Hotel. The press conference was then cancelled and changed to an event. Trump opened his remarks, with all networks closely covering, by reminding everyone the hotel was opening months ahead of schedule. He handed over the microphone to Medal of Honor recipients, generals and other war veterans for twenty minutes to praise him and talk about the importance of national security in an ever threatening world, making the focus on birtherism look petty and stupid. At the end of their statements, he took back the lectern and stated, "President Obama was born in the United States, period." He then thanked the veterans on stage again and left without taking questions.

Brilliant move by Trump. Give veterans, war heroes, generals Hillary called deplorables microphone, media focus on birther issue looks dumb — Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) September 16, 2016

Trump opening the mic to war heroes to talk about a real & serious issue: national security. Media got punked by pushing silly birther issue — Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) September 16, 2016

Now Trump getting free airtime for vets ad -- amazing how he games the cable and network people -- by saying he's making 'big announcement' — Glenn Thrush (@GlennThrush) September 16, 2016

I'll leave you with this:

Do majority of Americans want the next president talking about old birtherism or current threats from enemies abroad? You know the answer — Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) September 16, 2016

Love him or hate him, support him or oppose him, it was brilliant.