Trump says ‘I inherited a mess,’ blasts media, detractors at combative news conference

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump aired his grievances against the news media, the intelligence community and his detractors in a sprawling stream-of-consciousness news conference Thursday, capping an extraordinary four weeks in office marked by tumult, disarray and infighting.

The beleaguered chief executive defended his advisers against claims of improper contacts with Russia and claimed – contrary to widespread perceptions both inside and outside the White House – that his fledgling administration “is running like a fine-tuned machine.”

“To be honest, I inherited a mess,” he said in a news conference that lasted an hour and 17 minutes and was, by turns, rambling, combative and pure Trump.

Yet moments later, the president seemed to acknowledge the widespread reports of turbulence and upheaval emanating out of the West Wing, only to claim that his White House – which so far has been marred by staff feuding, a controversial travel ban, false statements and myriad leaks – was operating seamlessly.

“I turn on the TV, open the newspapers and I see stories of chaos – chaos,” he said. “Yet it is the exact opposite. This administration is running like a fine-tuned machine, despite the fact that I can’t get my Cabinet approved.”

Trump’s news conference capped a month of turmoil in what so far is the most tumultuous start to any U.S. presidency in modern history. His approval ratings are underwater in most polls, and he is battling setbacks including the ouster on Monday of national security adviser Michael Flynn and the decision Wednesday by his nominee for labor secretary, Andrew Puzder, to withdraw amid mounting opposition on Capitol Hill.

The turmoil continued Thursday evening as Trump’s pick to replace Flynn, retired Vice Adm. Robert Harward, turned down the job, according to people familiar with the offer.

Asked about recent reports in the Washington Post that Flynn had improperly discussed Russian sanctions with that country’s ambassador to the U.S. before Trump was sworn in, the president defended Flynn, saying he had done nothing wrong in engaging the Russian envoy.

But Trump said Flynn had erred by misleading government officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, about his conversations with Russia, which is why he ultimately demanded his resignation.

Trump said he had no problem with Flynn discussing with the Russian ambassador the sanctions imposed on Moscow by the Obama administration, saying it was Flynn’s job.

“No, I didn’t direct him, but I would have directed him if he didn’t do it,” Trump said.

In an exchange with April Ryan of American Urban Radio Networks – the only black reporter called on by Trump – the president asked her to arrange a meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus.

“Do you want to set up the meeting? Are they friends of yours?” he asked.

Asked several times about reports that his campaign had repeated contacts with Russia, Trump grew testy as reporters pushed him for a yes or no answer.

“Russia is a ruse,” Trump said. “I have nothing to do with Russia. Haven’t made a phone call to Russia in years. Don’t speak to people from Russia. Not that I wouldn’t. I just have nobody to speak to.”