Donald Trump launched an all-out war on the media on Sunday, vowing to fight it “tooth and nail” after a row in which his press secretary made false claims about the crowds at his inauguration, which were later defended as "alternative facts".

The White House also declared that the president will not release his tax returns despite an earlier pledge that he would, saying that the American people “didn’t care” about them.

It came as aides to Mr Trump indicated he would take executive actions on an almost daily basis over the next month as he sets out to eviscerate his predecessor's legacy and lay the foundations for his own administration.

The first week alone was expected to feature executive orders on illegal immigration, trade, and national security.

One White House official said: "I think your going to see some of that coming this week, executive orders on those three topics."

Other orders in the first month are expected to be aimed at reversing Obama era regulations on climate change and the environment, gutting the lobbying industry in Washington and repealing the Affordable Care Act, Mr Obama's signature healthcare policy.