President-elect Donald Trump made it clear on Monday that he feels a strong “obligation to be open and available” to the press, despite the often hostile relationship he has had with the media in the past. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Trump, who will be taking office for his second non-consecutive term, emphasized that he has no intention of seeking “retribution” against those who have criticized him over the years. “I am not here to settle scores or to destroy anyone,” he stated, adding that he believes in offering second and third chances—but when trust is broken, he is firm in his boundaries.
Trump’s remarks come as his second term promises to be markedly different from his first, with a renewed focus on transparency and fairness in dealings with the press. However, he made it clear that this openness is conditional on being treated with respect. “If the media doesn’t treat me fairly,” Trump warned, “then my willingness to engage will come to an end.” This reflects his longstanding frustration with what he has described as biased, misleading coverage, especially from outlets like CNN and The New York Times.
During his first term, Trump frequently clashed with left-wing journalists, most notably CNN’s Jim Acosta, who lost his press credentials after a contentious confrontation. Trump’s relationship with the media reached a peak of tension when he labeled certain outlets the “enemy of the people” over their coverage of the Russia investigation. Despite these battles, Trump made sure to express gratitude to the “many reporters and media outlets” that have been honest and professional in their coverage of his administration.
As Trump moves into his second term, his relationship with the press is expected to continue evolving. His campaign staff recently restricted access to certain outlets, including Politico and Axios, from attending election night events. However, Trump clarified that he remains committed to a “free, fair, and open media” because he believes it’s vital to the success of his agenda. “To Make America Great Again,” he stated, “it’s essential to have a press that is truthful and accountable.”
In a surprising development, Trump also revealed that he recently met with MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski at Mar-a-Lago. Despite their previous antagonism, the meeting was described as “cordial,” with discussions ranging from cabinet appointments to the direction of the country. Trump noted that the couple acknowledged the “great and flawless” nature of his campaign, signaling a possible thaw in relations with some of his harshest media critics.
Ultimately, Trump’s comments underscore a key message: while he is open to engaging with the media, he will hold firm to his principles and not allow unfair treatment to compromise his commitment to the American people. As he prepares for another term in office, it seems clear that his approach to the press will remain one of both openness and accountability, but always with a firm stance on fairness.