Trump on China’s press: ‘We’re repressive also’

President Donald Trump, during a discussion with reporters, asserted that the United States is "repressive also," in response to a question about China's treatment of journalists. The remark came shortly after Trump announced a ban on three media outlets - CNN, MS NOW, and Politico - from the White House, accusing them of reporting "fiction and lies" about his administration.

Trump argued that "fake news" was responsible for the repression in the US. The scope and enforcement of the ban are unclear, and it remains to be seen if other media organizations will face similar restrictions. The latest move adds to Trump's ongoing disputes with US media organizations. Trump has a history of criticizing broadcasters and urging regulatory bodies to take action against stations he disagrees with on coverage.

The recent comments come as Trump prepares to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington on September 24. Trump drew a comparison with the US rather than directly defending the country's press record. This dispute has also raised constitutional questions in the US, with press-freedom advocates and media organizations arguing that the government cannot arbitrarily restrict journalists' access due to their coverage. Prior court rulings have established limits on how the White House can control press access.