Donald Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE is a threat to freedom of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday.

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"Since the beginning of his candidacy, Trump has insulted and vilified the press and has made his opposition to the media a centerpiece of his campaign. Trump has routinely labeled the press as 'dishonest' and 'scum' and singled out individual news organizations and journalists," Sandra Mims Rowe, chairwoman of the committee's board, wrote in a statement.

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has rallied against the media throughout his campaign, accusing the press of siding with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Senate GOP sees early Supreme Court vote as political booster shot Poll: 51 percent of voters want to abolish the electoral college MORE and trying to discredit his candidacy.

“Corporate media is no longer involved in journalism. They're a political special interest no different than any lobbyist with a total political agenda,” Trump said at a rally Thursday.

At his rallies, Trump often encourages his supporters to turn around and boo reporters in the media pen.

On Wednesday, Trump told supporters he wanted "veto power" over the media.

Trump saying he wants "veto power" over the media. pic.twitter.com/GcS0qHruJr — Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) October 12, 2016

"Through his words and actions, Trump has consistently demonstrated a contempt for the role of the press beyond offering publicity to him and advancing his interests," Rowe wrote.

"A Trump presidency would represent a threat to press freedom in the United States, but the consequences for the rights of journalists around the world could be far more serious. Any failure of the United States to uphold its own standards emboldens dictators and despots to restrict the media in their own countries. This appears to be of no concern to Trump, who indicated that he has no inclination to challenge governments on press freedom and the treatment of journalists."

The statement comes as Trump threatens to sue The New York Times for publishing the accounts of two women who say he groped and kissed them without consent.

Rowe noted that it isn't the first time Trump has threatened to sue the Times or other new organizations.

"Throughout his campaign, Trump has routinely made vague proposals to limit basic elements of press and internet freedom. At a rally in February, Trump declared that if elected president he would 'open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money.' In September, Trump tweeted , 'My lawyers want to sue the failing @nytimes so badly for irresponsible intent. I said no (for now), but they are watching. Really disgusting,' " Rowe wrote.

"While some have suggested that these statements are rhetorical, we take Trump at his word. His intent and his disregard for the constitutional free press principle are clear."