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Trump: 'The Media Would Like To See Me Do Poorly'

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During his daily briefing Wednesday, President Donald Trump appeared to become emotional while discussing the media.

Prior to the press conference, Trump sent a tweet suggesting that journalists are responsible for the push to enforce social distancing by temporarily closing businesses.

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When asked about the tweet by a reporter, Trump said:

I think there are certain people that would like [the country] to do financially poorly, because they think that would be very good as far as defeating me at the polls. And I don't know if that's so, but I do think it's so, that a lot of that there are people in your profession that would like that to happen. I think it's very clear. I think it's very clear that there are people in your profession that write fake news. You do. She does... And it's lucky that you have this group here right now for this problem, or you wouldn't even have a country left.

The president's tone became aggressive as he delivered his answer, and he abruptly stopped speaking to the reporter to answer another question.

At the same briefing, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he expected the historic $1 trillion relief deal reached in the Senate would pass tonight and be sent to the House on Thursday, where he also predicted it would pass. Flanked by President Trump, Vice President Pence and others, Mnuchin said:

"We couldn't be more pleased with the unprecedented response from the Senate to protect American workers and American business in this situation."

"Our expectation is this bill passes tonight and gets to the House tomorrow and they pass it," he added.

Note: President Trump usually opens these news conference with his own remarks. His comments in a number of past briefings have later been contradicted by information provided by other officials. He has also repeatedly used stigmatizing language to describe COVID-19. Following the president's remarks, health experts and other adminstration leaders provide additional updates.

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