U.S. President Donald Trump is defending his administration’s actions involving news organizations, rejecting accusations that he is using executive power excessively against the media and political opponents.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he had not gone too far and argued that former President Barack Obama used government powers more aggressively during investigations into leaks.
Trump pointed to cases in which the Obama administration pursued government employees suspected of leaking information and sought details about their contacts with journalists. The Obama administration did conduct several major leak investigations, including efforts that involved obtaining reporters’ records.
Trump’s comments come as his administration faces continuing legal disputes with several major news organizations over access to the White House.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico were temporarily barred from White House grounds after Trump criticized their coverage. The outlets challenged the restrictions in court, arguing that the measures violate constitutional protections for the press.
The disputes have intensified a broader confrontation between the Trump administration and parts of the U.S. media, with courts now being asked to determine the limits of presidential authority over press access.
