By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON (AA) - President Donald Trump said Friday the media should refrain from using anonymous sources just minutes after the White House used them to dispel a report on the Trump administration.
"They shouldn't be allowed to use sources unless they use somebody's name," Trump said during a lengthy diatribe against what he called the "fake news" media. "A source says that Donald Trump is a ‘horrible, horrible human being.’ Let 'em say it to my face.
"Let their name be put out there. Let their name be put out," he added, referring to anonymous sources at a conservative gathering outside the nation's capital. "Let there be no more sources."
The comments came just minutes after the White House issued a denunciation of a CNN report that cited senior anonymous officials. The denial was issued to reporters via the White House pool.
It is not uncommon for members of presidential administrations, including Trump's, to demand anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss the matter or because of the sensitivity of the subject.
CNN's report said the FBI rejected a request from the Trump administration to publicly dispel stories that alleged Trump's presidential campaign was being investigated for supposed ties to Russian officials.
Doing so would break with procedure between the White House and the bureau regarding ongoing investigations. The White House maintained there was nothing improper about the request.
Trump further stressed he is not against the media, but is opposed to "fake news".
"There are some great reporters around," he said. "But there are some terrible dishonest people and they do a tremendous disservice to our country and to our people. A tremendous disservice. They are very dishonest people. And they shouldn't use sources."