Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jul 25: US President Donald Trump said he has largely moved away from relying on traditional news organisations, claiming that social media now allows him to communicate more effectively with the public. Speaking at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Friday evening, Trump also argued that many media outlets benefit significantly from covering him and predicted they would struggle to attract audiences after he leaves office.
Addressing a gathering of journalists, editors and media executives, Trump said his online presence had become more influential than conventional news coverage. Pointing to his popularity on digital platforms, he remarked that social media had enabled him to reach millions of people directly without depending on traditional press channels.
Trump claimed that many news organisations rely heavily on him for readership, viewership and ratings. He told the audience that they were fortunate to have him as a subject of coverage, asserting that once he is no longer in office, there would be far less public interest in the stories they publish or broadcast.
The President also shared an anecdote about his interactions with journalists, recalling that he had once noticed reporters were no longer contacting him after he returned to the White House. To change that, he said, he personally distributed his mobile phone number to members of the press, a move he later jokingly described as a mistake because of the constant stream of calls he now receives.
According to Trump, journalists contact him frequently, prompting him to ask reporters to identify themselves when calling. He said he is more likely to respond when he knows who is on the other end of the line.
Explaining why he often speaks directly with reporters despite his criticism of the media, Trump said engaging with journalists gives him a better opportunity to ensure his views are reflected accurately in news reports. He suggested that declining media requests often results in less favourable coverage, whereas participating in interviews offers a chance for a more balanced portrayal.
Although much of his speech criticised mainstream media, Trump maintained that he strongly supports freedom of the press. He described himself as a firm believer in the principle of a free press, while jokingly suggesting that others in the room might disagree with that assessment.
Trump also characterised himself as "the most open and transparent president in history," contrasting his media accessibility with that of former President Joe Biden, whom he claimed had answered relatively few questions from reporters during his presidency.
Despite his frequent complaints about media coverage, Trump acknowledged the role of journalists and expressed respect for the profession. He said that while he often believes reporting on him is unfair, there are occasions when he feels he has been treated fairly and appreciates the work of many members of the press.
Earlier during the event, Trump joked about receiving overwhelmingly negative media coverage and light-heartedly teased several prominent journalists and television personalities, including CNN's Caitlin Collins, whom he congratulated on receiving a journalism award.
Before introducing the President, outgoing White House Correspondents' Association President Weijia Jiang delivered remarks defending the First Amendment. She said criticism of the media is a legitimate part of public discourse but cautioned that efforts to weaken press freedom pose a broader challenge to the constitutional principles that underpin American democracy.