Trump defends tweets as key to White House victory

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump defended his regular use of social media, especially Twitter, and said he may not have won the White House without it.

In an interview airing on Sunday on “Fox Business Network,” Trump says he can bypass what he labels unfair media coverage by speaking directly.

“Tweeting is like a typewriter – when I put it out, you put it immediately on your show. I doubt I would be here if weren’t for social media, to be honest with you,” he said, according to a transcript released by the network.

Trump called his social media accounts on Facebook Inc , Twitter Inc and Instagram “a tremendous platform.”

“When somebody, says something about me, I am able to go bing, bing, bing and I take care of it. The other way, I would never be get the word out,” he said, according to the transcript.

Republican leaders have regularly urged Trump to avoid or cut back on tweets and Trump acknowledged some friends suggest he not use social media.

Trump regularly mounts attacks on Twitter, especially at news media and political opponents, often sending out missives in the early morning or late evening hours.

At times, Trump’s tweets have contained factual inaccuracies and personal attacks.

In March for example, Trump asserted without evidence President Barack Obama had ordered Trump Tower in New York wiretapped – something Obama denied. — Reuters