Trump offers rare praise to media at Governors Dinner, jokes it has been ‘bad, but not horrible’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump offered a surprisingly warm acknowledgment of the media during the National Governors Association Dinner at the White House on Saturday, February 21, telling reporters they have been "relatively fair" to him over the past year.

The comment marked a departure from the Republican leader's long record of sharply criticizing journalists and major media outlets.

Trump shows lighthearted attitude toward the media at Governors Dinner

“Now we’re with some very special reporters tonight. I often say the fake news, but I will not say that tonight,” Trump said during his introductory remarks, drawing chuckles and applause.

“I said to myself the press has been relatively fair to me over the last year, meaning they’ve been bad, but not horrible,” he added.

The quip highlighted Trump’s typically blunt style, even as he extended what his aides described as a rare olive branch to mainstream media representatives present at the event.

He then said he was going to have the assembled governors vote by voicing whether or not they wanted the press to be allowed back later to watch the performances.

"Should we, by vote, allow the press to watch the great finale that we have planned tonight with the musicians? And look at, they're all dressed up and all looking beautiful," Trump said.

“I’m in favor,” he added while raising his right hand.

A few others cheered, which was just enough for Trump to say the media members could return.

Trump’s strained relationship with the media

Trump’s comments stood out precisely because his relationship with the media has been contentious for more than a decade.

He is currently suing the Wall Street Journal over a story claiming he sent Jeffrey Epstein a “bawdy” birthday letter in 2003, and he is also suing the BBC for $10 billion for “doctoring” footage to make it appear like he was urging supporters to “fight” before the January 6 Capitol Riot.

More recently, Trump voiced his support for Nexstar and Tegna merging earlier this month, saying, “We need more competition against THE ENEMY, the Fake News National TV Networks.”

During his first presidential term and campaign periods, he frequently labeled outlets he viewed as hostile “fake news” and at times refused to participate in traditional press events.

While Saturday’s setting was social rather than adversarial, the remarks underscored how unusual it is for Trump to publicly temper criticism of journalists.

His comments reflected an attempt to soften tensions in a high-profile venue, even as Republicans and conservatives continue to debate media coverage and bias.

Later, the president explained the night was going to be capped off with “incredible entertainment,” including a performance from the “greatest violinist in the world," Rusanda Panfili.