Trump barred certain news outlets from routine press briefing

World Today

Donald TrumpPresident Donald Trump pauses while speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

The contentious relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and the media is escalating after some reporters were barred from a routine White House briefing Friday. Trump is in a self-proclaimed ‘war’ against much of the media.

Many reporters are concerned, and some members of President Trump’s own political party are uneasy about the growing chasm.

CGTN’s Sean Calleb filed this report.

The day after U.S. President Donald Trump was sworn in, the White House was blunt.

Foreshadowing what Trump himself now calls a “war” with the media that covers the administration.

“There’s been a lot of talk in the media about the responsibility to hold Donald Trump accountable – and I’m here to tell you that goes two ways – we are going to hold the press accountable,” said Sean Spicer, White House press secretary.

After first calling some press outlets -enemies of the state.
Trump doubled down speaking at CPAC Friday, the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington.

“A few days ago I called them the fake news -the enemy of the people, and they are -the enemy of the people because they have no sources. They just make them up when there are none, ” said U.S. President Donald trump.

Much of the White House press corps is still bristling, after the administration barred CNN, the New York Times, and other major news outlets from a routine off camera briefing —called a “gaggle.”
At the same time, the White House allowed far-right leaning conservative press entities such as Breitbart and One America News Network in.

The New York times is firing back by planning to run a controversial commercial during the widely watched Academy Awards on Sunday night.

This deteriorating relationship was further strained by reports this week that Trump’s team had tried to get the FBI to knock down reports that it had been in touch with Russia during the long campaign.
The White house called the reports “indefensible and inaccurate.”

Congressional members on both sides of the aisle are growing uneasy with the feud.

Powerful Arizona Senator John McCain said democracy needs a free press.

Some supporters and critics say Trump grumbles at any news coverage that is not flattering, or positive.

The U.S. remains a bitterly divided nation. Trump’s stance is playing well among his solid conservative base that also embraces his attacks on China, immigration, and efforts to enforce a travel ban.