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Speaking to reporters on Monday, he said that Catholic leaders railing against Trump's post "can't take a joke" and accused "the fake news media" of lying about reactions from the church.

He later said his statements were meant to troll the "fake news media".

The White House has said that funding of news media is "not only outdated and unnecessary but corrosive to the appearance of journalistic independence" and that the media landscape has become more "diverse".

Since its return to power in January, and over the last month, the Trump administration has launched an all-out assault on the press and news media.

While carping about "the fake news media" during the White House Easter egg roll, Hegseth's whining got so pitched his voice started to crack, while his children stood behind him, embarrassed at the spectacle.