A defensive US President Donald Trump has accused America's news media of being "out of control" at a White House news conference – and told them he "inherited" a mess.
Mr Trump has vowed to bypass the media and take his message "straight to the people."
Nearly a month into his presidency, Mr Trump said he had "inherited a mess" but his new administration had made "significant progress".
He also claimed the credit for an optimistic business climate and a rising stock market.
Time Magazine took a swipe at the President with their latest cover, which features a rain-soaked, wind-swept Mr Trump sitting at his desk with the caption: "Nothing to see here."
The President pushed back against widespread reports of a chaotic start to his administration marked by a contentious executive order - now tied up in a legal fight - to place a ban on travellers from seven predominantly Muslim nations.
"This administration is running like a fine-tuned machine," Trump declared on Friday morning (NZ time).
"As you know, our administration inherited many problems across government and across the economy. To be honest, I inherited a mess. It's a mess.
"At home and abroad, a mess. Jobs are pouring out of the country; you see what's going on with all of the companies leaving our country, going to Mexico and other places, low pay, low wages, mass instability overseas, no matter where you look.
"The Middle East is a disaster. North Korea - we'll take care of it folks; we're going to take care of it all. I just want to let you know, I inherited a mess."
The President also announced that he would announce a "new and very comprehensive order to protect our people."
He plans to issue an order next week aimed at keeping the American people safe, as his temporary ban on travel from seven Muslim-majority countries remains kept on hold by a federal court.
"We will be issuing a new and very comprehensive order to protect our people."
