National security adviser John Bolton on Sunday dismissed a question about whether President Trump was facilitating Russian efforts to spread disinformation and undermine trust in public institutions by calling reports he does not like or does not agree with “fake news.”
“Of course not. Really, honestly, Jonathan, I think the question is silly,” Bolton said during an interview with ABC’s “This Week,” referring to host Jonathan Karl. “And don’t say I’m attacking freedom of the press. I just characterized your question.”
Bolton was scheduled to appear on CNN on Sunday, but that interview was canceled because Jim Acosta, the network’s chief White House correspondent, “disrespected” Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May at a press conference on Friday, according to White House press secretary Sarah Sanders.
“Look, in reality I don’t seek out the press. I don’t talk to them. I appear when I’m asked to and if I’m not — if I’m not asked to appear, I don’t do it,” he said. “And I don’t communicate with them either, as you can find out if you consulted your friends in the Washington press corps, who I don’t communicate with.”
Trump on Friday blew off Acosta, who pressed him repeatedly on whether he could ask a question at a joint media availability with May.
“Since you attacked CNN, can I ask you a question?” Acosta asked.
“No, no,” Trump said. “John Roberts got it. CNN’s fake news, I don’t take questions from CNN.”
