Trump says he won't quit using social media

US President Donald Trump said he will not quit using social media, as he claimed to have relied on it to get unfiltered messages out to his supporters.

"Only the Fake News Media and Trump enemies want me to stop using Social Media," the US President said on Tuesday in a tweet, suggesting that it is the only way for him to "get the truth out", Xinhua news agency reported.

The tweet came a day after retired four-star Marine Corps General John Kelly was sworn in as Trump's new chief of staff.

Kelly, former secretary of homeland security, was tapped to restore order to the chaotic White House and push forward a policy agenda amid a series of West Wing shake-ups and infighting.

Trump has frequently taken to Twitter to lash out at investigations over possible links between his 2016 campaign and the Russian government, and, particularly, the GOP's failed attempts to advance a health care reform.

After Kelly, known for a fastidious nature, was named to take helm of the White House, there are speculations that Trump would tone down using social media where he has caused troubles from time to time with off-and-cuff comments to his tumultuous administration.

Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that Kelly will have "full authority" to bring new structure and discipline to the White House, stressing that all staff, including members of Trump's inner circle, "will report to him."

But it is unclear how much control the 67-year-old career military man would have over Trump's "Twitter addiction," in light of that the president appeared to have defended what he called "modern day presidential" by sending out a string of tweets over the past days.

Both Republicans and Democrats criticized Trump's use of Twitter, while polling numbers showed 71 per cent of voters think his tweets hurt the GOP agenda, with only 17 per cent believe they are helpful.

--IANS

pgh/