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 extended a rare message of gratitude to the press on Thursday, thanking members of the media for being "so understanding" in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

"Media, we appreciate you being so understanding," Trump said at a briefing on Hurricane Irma relief efforts in Florida. "It's been a very tough period of time even for you folks, and we really do appreciate your understanding. This has been a difficult situation."

The comment was an unusual one for the president, who has long feuded with reporters over what he deems unfair — or even "fake" — news coverage.

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Flanked by Vice President Pence and Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R), Trump extended thanks to a laundry list of state and federal officials, also expressing hope that Scott makes a run for the Senate.

Trump was in Florida on Thursday to survey the damage left by Hurricane Irma, which barreled through the state leaving destruction this week.

Likewise, Trump made two visits to Texas after Hurricane Harvey devastated swaths of the Gulf Coast with historic rains and floodwaters.