US President Donald Trump launches stinging attack on media

US President Donald Trump has launched a ferocious attack on the media while defending his record during his first weeks in office.

Mr Trump appeared in a 76-minute press conference where he told reporters their level of dishonesty was out of control.

He cited hostile coverage of his call for warmer relations with Russia.

Critics say his stymied travel ban and the firing of a top adviser point to a White House in chaos.
But the president used his speech to tout his fulfilment of campaign promises, and said his administration was a "finely tuned machine".

He also revealed an executive order on the travel ban is expected next week.

Mr Trump opened his remarks by mounting a blistering attack on the media for underplaying his achievements after he "inherited a mess at home and abroad".

The president continued that he was appearing at the White House news conference to take his message "straight to the people".

He praised his administration for its "significant progress", pointing to a rising stock market and a crackdown on illegal immigrants as examples of his success.

He also dismissed claims that his administration has had a chaotic start.

"This administration is running like a fine-tuned machine," he said.

His news conferences comes after Mr Trump's national security adviser was forced to resign and his labour secretary withdrew his nomination.

Mr Trump also suggested he would replace his controversial executive order temporarily barring travel from seven Muslim-majority countries next week with a new, revised order.
He said the rollout of the travel ban was "very smooth" despite legal challenges his administration has faced.

Court documents released on Thursday also showed Mr Trump plans to rescind and replace the travel ban instead of having a larger appellate panel review the ruling.

A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit last week upheld a lower-court decision that suspended the ban.
Mr Trump also criticised the 9th Circuit during his news conference, claiming the court was "in turmoil".