Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) is slamming President Trump Donald John TrumpUS reimposes UN sanctions on Iran amid increasing tensions Jeff Flake: Republicans 'should hold the same position' on SCOTUS vacancy as 2016 Trump supporters chant 'Fill that seat' at North Carolina rally MORE’s “Fake News” awards as “fascist propaganda.”

In a statement Wednesday, Malloy praised journalists and rebuked the GOP for “challenging” the free press.

“The modern-day Republican party seems to have taken a page out of the 20th century fascist regime propaganda playbook,” Malloy said. “The primary purpose of today’s theater regarding ‘fake news’ awards is to bully and intimidate members of an independent press who seek to report the facts.”

On Wednesday, the Republican National Committee announced the “winners” of the “Fake News Awards,” which Trump has touted as a way to identify news outlets he claims have shown “unrelenting bias, unfair news coverage, and even downright fake news.”

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Trump has repeatedly butted heads with the media, and has labeled unflattering coverage of his presidency as “fake news.”

“History has not been kind to nations that do not value the importance a free press in regards to upholding the true principles of democracy and the freedom of its people,” Malloy’s statement read.

“At a time when the relevance of a free press is being challenged by some, I want to thank those who have dedicated their careers to the profession of journalism," he continued. "Journalists, in large part, receive little recognition for the contributions they bring to our communities.

“But it is because of them that our democracy continues to thrive, and the voice of the people continues to be heard. The work of journalists is a public service that is fundamental to our free and democratic society.”

Malloy announced last year that he would not seek a third term as governor.