'That's a racist question': Donald Trump unleashes on reporters in post-midterms press conference

  • 08/11/2018

US President Donald Trump has lashed out at reporters in a post-midterms press conference, calling one a "rude, terrible person" and accusing another of racism.

Mr Trump's Republican party managed to retain control of the Senate, but has lost control of the House of Representatives.

CNN Correspondent Jim Acosta was singled out after he repeatedly tried to ask about the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The President refused to answer the question and called the investigation a hoax, before unleashing on Mr Acosta.

"I tell you what, CNN should be ashamed of itself, having you working for them," he said, gesturing towards Mr Acosta.

"You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldn't be working for CNN."

At another point in the press conference PBS NewsHour correspondent Yamiche Alcindor, who is African-American, asked Mr Trump if his declaration of being a "nationalist" was emboldening white nationalists across the country.

"Why do I have among the highest poll numbers with African Americans? ...Honestly, I know you have it written down and you're going to tell me. Let me tell you, that's a racist question. "

Mr Trump claimed to have high polling numbers with African Americans in August after a poll by Rasmussen put his approval rating with African American people at 36 percent.

At the time the Washington Post pointed out polls from Gallup, Ipsos and Civiqs have reported significantly lower ratings of 10-15 percent, 12.8 percent and 6 percent respectively.

Other questions saw Mr Trump telling reporters he's a "great moral leader".

"We have many people lined up [for jobs in the White House]," he said.

"We are a hot country. This is a hot White House. This is a White House that people want to work with."

Newshub.