Story highlights The President seemed eager to return to a looser style

Trump took more than 30 questions from reporters

Bridgewater, New Jersey (CNN) The President's two unscripted appearances before the press here Thursday revealed a commander in chief with a well of pent up opinions looking for an escape.

As Donald Trump's presidency enters a new phase -- with an order-minded chief of staff and a West Wing reorganization on the horizon -- the President seemed eager to return to the looser style that helped him win.

In Washington, the President has been loathe to engage in public with reporters. He departed the White House last week having held fewer solo news conferences than any of his recent predecessors.

His events on Thursday don't qualify as news conferences -- only the small group of pool reporters were present, and he wasn't standing behind a presidential podium.

But on the brick steps of his clubhouse and inside one of his banquet rooms, Trump engaged publicly with the press more than he has in months. He made eye contact with reporters and encouraged more questions. He didn't balk at even the most uncomfortable topics, like the FBI raid on his former campaign manager's home or his schoolyard feud with his own attorney general.

Read More