The US president was speaking to the New York Times about the ongoing tensions with North Korea when he made his remark.
During the interview, Trump had revealed he would run again for President at the next election in 2020 – and predicted he would win.
“We’re going to win another four years for a lot of reasons, most importantly because our country is starting to do well again and we’re being respected again,” he said.
“But another reason that I’m going to win another four years is because newspapers, television, all forms of media will tank if I’m not there because without me, their ratings are going down the tubes.
“Without me, The New York Times will, indeed, be not the failing New York Times, but the failed New York Times. So, they basically have to let me win.”
Trump also rejects there was any collusion between his election team and Russia, in helping him win victory at last year’s presidential vote – and that he was unworried about ongoing investigations.
“Everybody knows the answer already. There was no collusion. None whatsoever,” he said