Majority of Americans think press has been too critical of Trump, poll finds

A majority of Americans say the media has been too critical of President Donald Trump, according to a new poll.

A Wall Street Journal / NBC News survey found that 51 percent of Americans thought the press was too critical of the new president, and 53 percent agreed that "news media and other elites" were exaggerating the administration's problems because they are threatened by the changes in Washington.

By comparison, 41 percent said the media has been mostly fair and objective, and 45 percent disagreed with the assessment the media was exaggerating the situation in Washington. Finally 6 percent of Americans said the media hasn't been tough on Trump enough. The poll surveyed Americans from Feb. 18-22.

The poll is the latest in a series of assessments handicapping how Americans feel about the White House's increasingly acrimonious relationship with some members of the established press. One poll found earlier this month that the administration was more trusted than the media, while another survey just last week seemingly contradicted that finding.

The president has attacked the media as recently as Sunday, firing back at reports critical of his team's possible relationship with Moscow, and attacking The New York Times by name.

"Russia talk is FAKE NEWS put out by the Dems, and played up by the media, in order to mask the big election defeat and the illegal leaks!" Trump tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Trump tweeted, "For first time the failing @nytimes will take an ad (a bad one) to help save its failing reputation. Try reporting accurately & fairly!"