President Donald Trump is his own best advocate.
It’s no question that his presidency has been under siege by the liberal media, who have printed reports this week advancing the narrative that his administration is in bed with the Russians.
They’ve also complained they’re being ignored, with Mr. Trump only calling on conservative-leaning organizations at his press conferences, and thereby avoiding tough questions.
Not Thursday. Mr. Trump took them head-on. And won.
He answered every question — from every news outlet — in a freewheeling press conference that lasted a whopping 77 minutes.
Did Mr. Trump know if anyone on his team was in contact with Russian officials during or after the election?
Other than retired Gen. Michael Flynn, no.
Why was Mr. Flynn fired?
Because he misrepresented his calls to Vice President Mike Pence, then blamed a faulty memory on the lapse. The excuse didn’t cut it with
Mr. Trump.
Is the Trump administration working on tax reform and an Obamacare repeal?
Yes, expect both to come in early March.
Will a new immigration executive order be issued to replace the one held up in the courts?
Yes, it will be out next week.
Mr. Trump had no trouble putting the mainstream media in their place, and highlighting the positive stories they refuse to cover — the surging stock market, and his regulatory executive actions.
“I’m here today to update the American people on the incredible progress that has been made in the last four weeks since my inauguration. We have made incredible progress. I don’t think there’s ever been a president elected who in this short period of time has done what we’ve done,”
Mr. Trump said. “Much of the media doesn’t get it. They actually get it, but they don’t write it. Let’s put it that way.”
He continued: “I turn on the TV, open the newspapers and I see stories of chaos. Chaos. Yet it is the exact opposite. This administration is running like a fine-tuned machine, despite the fact that I can’t get my Cabinet approved.”
He called out CNN for its “very fake news” but did allow reporter Jim Acosta several questions…