CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta on Friday criticized President Trump for attacking media outlets as "fake news" hours before a major hurricane is set to hit Texas.

Trump on Friday morning tweeted a defense of his chief of staff, John Kelly, taking a swipe at news reports that he is struggling to contain information coming to the president.

"General John Kelly is doing a fantastic job as Chief of Staff. There is tremendous spirit and talent in the W.H. Don't believe the Fake News," Trump wrote.

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Acosta ripped the president's statement moments later in a tweet of his own, saying Trump shouldn't attack media outlets when many people will have to rely on them for information during Hurricane Harvey, which is expected to be a Category 3 hurricane when it makes landfall.

"Not a good time to take shots at "fake news." Millions will be relying on national and local news outlets to stay safe during hurricane," he wrote, later adding: "Good morning Mr. President... what is your administration doing about the hurricane to keep Texans safe?"

General John Kelly is doing a fantastic job as Chief of Staff. There is tremendous spirit and talent in the W.H. Don't believe the Fake News — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2017

Not a good time to take shots at "fake news." Millions will be relying on national and local news outlets to stay safe during hurricane. — Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 25, 2017

Good morning Mr. President... what is your administration doing about the hurricane to keep Texans safe? — Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 25, 2017

The president heaped praise on Kelly after media reports surfaced that the retired general has been vetting the information that Trump receives before it arrives on his desk in an effort to help rein in controversies in the White House. Kelly was also reported to be controlling who has access to Oval Office visits.

Trump has repeatedly attacked the media since he was elected, referring to the press as the “Fake News Media” almost daily.

Hurricane Harvey is expected to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday. It could bring 35 inches of rain and surge flooding as high as 12 feet on coastal areas.