Powell Muzzled By Press Aide

An aide to Sec. of State Colin Powell ordered a halt to a MEET THE PRESS interview and directed a camera to shoot a palm tree during provocative questioning by host Tim Russert!

Powell was being interview by satellite from Jordan.

State Department press aide Emily Miller fumed as Tim Russert went beyond the 10 minutes allotted for the NBC Sunday session.

13 minutes in to the interview, Miller attempted to pull the plug.

As Russert grilled Powell on his presentation at the UN of Iraq's alleged WMDs -- Miller moved the single remote camera off Powell.

'You're off,' Miller announced.

'I am not off,' Powell warned.

'No. They can't use it, they're editing it...' Miller said on an open microphone.

'Emily, get out of the way. Bring the camera back please,' the secretary snapped."

THE DRUDGE REPORTa> has more details.