Trump points the finger
DONALD Trump has unleashed on critics, insisting his administration is running “like a finetuned machine”. In an encounter with reporters, the US President (above) also slammed judges for blocking his refugee and immigration executive order.
DONALD Trump has unleashed on his critics, slamming “criminal” leaks and insisting his administration is running “like a fine-tuned machine”.
In a marathon encounter with reporters on Thursday, the US President slammed a “bad court” of appeals judges for blocking his refugee and immigration executive order and fought back against claims his White House was plagued by infighting among advisers.
“I turn on the TV, open the newspapers and I see stories of chaos, chaos,” Mr Trump said.
“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 complained he had inherited turmoil from Barack Obama, saying there has never been a president “who in this short period of time has done what we’ve done”.
“I inherited a mess at home and abroad,” Mr Trump claimed.
“ISIS has spread like cancer. Another mess I inherited. Jobs are pouring out of the country – you see what’s going on with all of the companies leaving our country, going to Mexico and other places, low pay, low wages, mass instability overseas, no matter where you look.
“The Middle East is a disaster. North Korea – we’ll take care of it folks. We’re going to take care of it all. I just want to let you know, I inherited a mess.”
He also slammed the “out of control” media, taking repeated shots at the press.
“The press has become so dishonest that if we don’t talk about it, we are doing a tremendous disservice to the American people,” Mr Trump said.
“The press is out of control. The level of dishonesty is out of control.”
He delighted in jousting with reporters, repeatedly interrupting their questions and singling out stories he disagreed with.
The New York Times has reported that multiple Trump advisers were in touch with Russian intelligence advisers during the election campaign.
But Mr Trump panned the report as “fake news” and said he had “nothing to do with Russia”.
“To the best of my knowledge no person that I deal with does,” he said.
The President has yet to announce a replacement for National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.
His top choice, Vice-Admiral Robert Harward, turned down the job on Thursday, largely due to family concerns.