Trump threatens democracy when he attacks media: McRaven

Washington: US retired Navy Admiral William Harry McRaven on Sunday, said that President Donald Trump's attacks on the news media represent "the greatest threat to democracy,"after the President dismissed him as a "Hillary Clinton backer" in an interview.

"OK, he's a Hilary Clinton backer and an Obama-backer, and frankly ... wouldn't it have been nice if we got Osama bin Laden a lot sooner than that? Wouldn't it have been nice? You know, living -- think of this -- living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan," said Trump.

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In his response to Trump's remark McRaven said, "I did not back Hillary Clinton or anyone else."

He also stood by his previous comment made last year that, "When you undermine the people's right to a free press and freedom of speech and expression, then you threaten the Constitution and all for which it stands."

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"I am a fan of President (Barack) Obama and President George W. Bush, both of whom I worked for. I admire all presidents, regardless of their political party, who uphold the dignity of the office and who use that office to bring the nation together in challenging times."

In August, McRaven had written a post where he criticized Trump for his actions,he wrote,"Trump has embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation."

William Harry McRaven oversaw the operation in Pakistan that killed Osama bin Laden, in 2011.

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