New York Times breaks subscription record despite Donald Trump's vocal opposition

Newspaper's editorial stance coincides with rapid growth in membership

The Times has written a series of reports undermining Mr Trump's administration (Getty)

The New York Times added record numbers to its subscription list in the first three months of 2017, despite repeated criticism from US President Donald Trump who refereed to the newspaper as "failed".

The publication reported 308,000 new subscribers in the first quarter of this year, more than it ever has before. The new readers helped provide a 19 per cent boost to the company's digital advertising revenue.

The company's net income came to $13m (£10.7m), compared to a loss of $14m (£10.8m) for the same quarter last year.

The Times has written a series of reports criticising Mr Trump's administration and he has repeatedly denounced the publication on social media. Editorials have labelled Mr Trump a “liar” and accused the Republican of being a “desperate, inept apprentice”.

The editorial stance of the newspaper in the first days of Mr Trump's presidency has coincided in rapid growth in its subscriptions.

In March, The Times announced it's "sponsor a subscription" programme had provided access to its articles to 1.3 million students in it first month. One anonymous donor gave $1m to the scheme.

Mr Trump meanwhile, has derided the newspaper, accusing it of spreading "fake news" and claimed its reporters were fabricating stories.

The US leader has not provided evidence to back up his claims.

Although the publication's online members grew, print advertising revenue fell 18 per cent, according to the newspaper.