Trump seeks \'decorum\' from reporters in White House

Trump seeks 'decorum' from reporters in White House

Press Trust of India  |  Washington 

US on Friday sought "decorum" from reporters and asserted that he wants total freedom of press.

His statement came after a federal ordered the to immediately reinstate the press credentials of CNN's in a ruling seen as a major victory for mediapersons.

Trump said: "Just people have to behave and they have to do -- we're writing up rules and regulations to make our position".

The press pass of Acosta, CNN's Correspondent, was suspended last week after an altercation he had with during a conference. The White House had accused him of placing his hand on an intern. Acosta and the has denied the allegations.

White House temporarily reinstated Acosta's press pass. Soonafter, the was back on the White House grounds for his daily reporting.

Trump warned that reporters if they don't listen to the rules and regulations, "we'll end up back in court" and he will win.

"But more importantly, we'll just leave. And then you won't be very happy because we do get good rating," he said.

Responding to a question, Trump said he wants reporters to maintain decorum in the White House.

"Decorum. You can't take three questions and four questions and just stand up and not sit down. Decorum -- you have to practice decorum.

"We want total freedom of the press. That's very important to me. It's more important to me than anybody would believe. But you have to act with respect. You're in the White House. When I see the way some of my people get treated at press conferences, it's terrible," said the US

As such, Trump said, his administration is setting up a certain standard in this regard. This is what the court is requesting. "And always freedom of the press, always First Amendment, but that's the way it is," he reiterated.

"We always have the option of just leaving. We feel that things aren't being treated properly, that people aren't being treated properly, we always have the right to leave.

"I think the other media, the other press in the room will not be very happy if that happens. But I've instructed my people, when they're not treated properly, you have the right to just leave any time you want," Trump added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sat, November 17 2018. 01:00 IST