Giuliani champions Trump as free-press hero one day after CNN dustup

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is offering unfettered praise of President-elect Donald Trump for his commitment to a “free press.”

One day after Trump refused to take a question from CNN reporter Jim Acosta during his first press conference as president-elect, which resulted in a back-and-forth during which Trump called CNN “fake news,” Giuliani championed Trump’s First Amendment credentials on Fox News.

“It is refreshing and it is very good for our democracy that we have a president that is trying to get us back to a free press,” he told Fox’s Sean Hannity Thursday night as the two men discussed Trump’s press conference.

During the heated confrontation with Acosta Wednesday, Trump slammed the senior White House reporter’s network for its coverage of allegations that the Russian government had intel on the president-elect.

“Since you’re attacking us, can you give us a question?” Acosta asked Trump, who first tried to ignore the journalist’s inquiry.

When Acosta kept pressing, Trump shot back, “Your organization is terrible,” adding, “Don’t be rude. No, I’m not going to give you a question. You are fake news.”

Shortly after the presser ended, Acosta reported that Sean Spicer, the incoming White House press secretary, threatened to kick him out of the event if he interrupted again.

Despite all that, Giuliani praised Trump, saying the brash billionaire will “win the battle” against the media.

“He knows exactly what he wants to accomplish,” the ex-mayor said. “He cannot be intimidated. He’s an honest man, so they’re not going to catch him in some kind of lie, and he’s got the courage to fight them back.”

“I think maybe,” Giuliani continued,” he may actually re-establish journalistic ethics.”