Spicer: Trump should continue to use Twitter as ‘direct pipeline’ if he sees fit

Incoming White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Thursday that President-elect Donald Trump should continue to use social media as a “direct pipeline” to the public once he takes office if he so chooses.

Spicer, a Republican National Committee strategist, told Fox News’s “Kelly File” that Trump is in the unique position of “not having to put everything through the filter of the mainstream media.”

“It is absolutely fascinating, and it makes every day, every hour just unbelievable,” Spicer said. “Because you know you’re having that conversation with the American people and they can have it back with him.”

{mosads}Trump is a prolific Twitter user, and most of his tweets make headlines. On Thursday morning he tweeted that the U.S. needs to “greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability.” 

Trump’s unorthodox approach to social media, and his frequent scorn of traditional outlets, has led many to wonder what the White House’s relationship will be with the press. Incoming chief of staff Reince Preibus has previously floated changes to the daily press briefings. 

Spicer told Fox News that he believes Trump will continue the traditional daily updates, but suggested they may be modified. 

“It’s not a question of getting rid of certain things,” he said. “Maybe we add an element to them. Maybe not everything’s on camera; maybe we bring more people into the process.”

On Trump’s tumultuous relationship with the press, Spicer said, “There’s a difference between calling people out and understanding the role that the press plays in a free society.” 

He said that the press has a right to report the news, but Trump has proved that he will “correct the record” when necessary.