George W. Bush on Trump's Policy: Democracy Cannot Exist Without Media

Former US President, Republican George W. Bush, presented views contrary to Trump's policy, stating that he supports immigration and that "democracy cannot exist without media", writes the British Guardian, reports Patria.

In a comprehensive interview on NBC's Today show, the former US President was asked if he noticed any signs of Trump's attempts to end the dispute in the American electoral system after his harsh campaign against Hillary Clinton. Bush admitted that his presidency from 2001 to 2009 was also preceded by controversial elections, but that it is "difficult to compare times".

He also said that Trump was at the very beginning of his term, and that "Americans need to believe in what he says".

When asked if he supported Trump's decision to ban entry into the US for residents of seven majority-Muslim countries, Bush replied:

- I am for a friendly immigration policy that is in accordance with the law.

Bush, whose presidency was marked by the September 11 terrorist attacks, also called for religious tolerance.

- One of our great advantages is that we have allowed people to pray as they wish, or not to pray at all, said the former president.

After the attacks, Bush repeatedly expressed support for Muslims and presented Islamic teachings as peaceful.

Recently, President Trump often calls the media "enemies of the people". Bush comments: "I believe that democracy cannot exist without media, that we need independent media to hold people like me accountable."

- The media must hold accountable those who abuse their power.

Bush also said he did not know if a special prosecutor was needed to investigate contacts between Trump's associates and Russia, but added: "We need answers."

He also said that during his term he tried to convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept the concept of independent media.

- It is difficult to tell others to adopt independent, free journalism when we ourselves are not willing to have it, said former US President George W. Bush on NBC's Today show.