WASHINGTON ― President-elect Donald Trump relentlessly bashed the media during his campaign. But now he’s just a couple of months away from the White House, a Trump spokesperson insists that he’s starting anew with the reporters that covered him.
Hope Hicks told The New York Times that Trump would follow “standard press protocols that are in place now, the traditions,” and he saw his election as a chance for a “a fresh start” with the media.
The spokesperson’s comment came after Trump broke with tradition last week during a White House visit and didn’t travel with a protective pool. On Tuesday, he tried to slip out of Trump Tower to get dinner at the 21 Club in New York City without the reporters assigned to cover him.
Since winning the election, Trump has also continued to bash the media using his Twitter account. And he seems to have a particular obsession with the Times, which he has also pledged to sue.
Australia, New Zealand, and more. I am always available to them. @nytimes is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016
I have recieved and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said. Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan,
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016
The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition. It is going so smoothly. Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016
I am not trying to get “top level security clearance” for my children. This was a typically false news story.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016
The @nytimes states today that DJT believes “more countries should acquire nuclear weapons.” How dishonest are they. I never said this!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2016
The @nytimes sent a letter to their subscribers apologizing for their BAD coverage of me. I wonder if it will change – doubt it?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2016
Wow, the @nytimes is losing thousands of subscribers because of their very poor and highly inaccurate coverage of the “Trump phenomena”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2016
Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2016
Seems like a fresh start indeed.
