Sean Spicer relaxes on 'fake news' CNN, after network publishes poll favourable to Donald Trump's Congress speech

Press Secretary frequently attacks network for stories critical of the President

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer tweeted a CNN poll - despite having previously attacked the organisaiton (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Sean Spicer’s views on “fake news” have apparently relaxed, as CNN published a poll favourable to President Donald Trump.

The White House Press Secretary, along with Mr Trump, has disparaged the network numerous times in the past.

CNN was one of a number of news outlets whose reporting had displeased the Trump administration and whose reporter was blocked from a White House ‘gaggle’ last week.

But Mr Spicer was happy to share one particular CNN story on his Twitter feed.

The poll found 57 per cent of people who watched the speech had a very positive reaction, while around 70 per cent of viewers said the speech made them optimistic about the direction of the US.

In addition, the poll found close to 70 per cent of people said Mr Trump had the right priorities for the country and his policies would move the US in the right direction.

The Trump administration has received criticism for its attacks on the media.

Earlier in February, the President himself tweeted that the “fake news media” including CNN – but also the New York Times, NBC, ABC and CBS – was the “enemy of the American people.”

As well as blocking certain outlets from government briefings, Mr Trump also broke with convention by announcing he would not attend the White House Correspondent’s Association annual dinner.