Trump says US is ‘repressive also’ when asked about China’s treatment of journalists

US President Donald Trump said the United States is “repressive also” when a reporter described China as one of the world’s most repressive countries for journalists, in remarks that came shortly after Trump announced a ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.

During an exchange with reporters on Friday, Trump interrupted the question about China’s treatment of journalists to say, “Well, I don’t know about that. I think we’re repressive also,” according to a report by the Atlantic. He then argued that “fake news” was responsible for the repression in the US, saying the media writes false stories about his administration.

Trump bans three media outlets

Trump had earlier announced on Truth Social that CNN, MS NOW and Politico were being barred from the White House, accusing the outlets of repeatedly reporting what he called “fiction and lies” about his administration. He also suggested that other media organisations could face similar action.


The scope and enforcement of the ban were not immediately clear. Journalists from the three outlets were still working at the White House after Trump's announcement, while CNN and Politico said they would defend their right to cover the administration.

The latest move adds to Trump's long-running clashes with US media organisations. Reuters reported that he has repeatedly called for broadcasters to drop programmes he dislikes and has urged the Federal Communications Commission to take action against stations over coverage he objects to.

Trump's latest comments also came as he prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington on September 24. Asked about China's treatment of journalists, Trump drew a comparison with the US rather than directly defending the country's press record.

The dispute has also raised constitutional questions in the US. Press-freedom advocates and media organisations have argued that the government cannot arbitrarily restrict journalists' access because of their coverage, while previous court rulings have placed limits on how the White House can control press access.