Donald Trump has never been shy when it comes to expressing his feelings about reporters. He has had high-profile dustups with Fox News' Megyn Kelly, Univision's Jorge Ramos and a host of other media figures. During his campaign rallies around the country, he frequently singles out journalists by name or gestures to point out -- and chide -- the members of the press that cover him.
But during a Michigan campaign event on Monday, Trump wanted to get one thing straight. Campaigning before thousands of supporters in Grand Rapids, he said that he might hate journalists, but that he would "never kill" them.
"But I do hate some of them," he added, calling some reporters "such lying, disgusting people."
Trump on reporters: "I hate some of these people, but I'll be honest, I would never kill them" even though they're "despicable people"— Rebecca Sinderbrand (@sinderbrand) December 22, 2015
Trump has had a love-hate relationship with the media. He seems to love the seemingly endless coverage he receives, except for when he doesn't.
Trump's comments in Michigan come after he was pressed on Sunday over claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the killings of journalists in his country.
Speaking on ABC's This Week on Sunday, Trump called the killings of reporters "horrible," though he noted that Putin has admitted no role in their deaths.
"He's always denied it. It's never been proven that he's killed anybody," Trump said. "So, you know, you're supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, at least in our country. It has not been proven that he's killed reporters."
If Putin had played a role in the deaths of journalists, Trump said Sunday, it would be "despicable if that took place."
Trump and Putin have been mutually praising each other over the past few days. Most recently, Putin called Trump "bright and talented" and "the absolute leader of the presidential race."
For his part, Trump called Putin's praise a "great honor."