New York (CNN) President Donald Trump, in his most comfortable element at the gilded Trump Tower on Tuesday as he took questions from reporters, was surrounded by approving aides as he took jabs at the media.

White House Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly, left, looks on as President Donald Trump speaks following a meeting on infrastructure at Trump Tower on Tuesday in New York. Trump fielded questions from reporters about his comments on the events in Charlottesville, Virginia, and white supremacists.

A few male aides who were gathered to the right side of the podium chuckled and smiled at one moment when the President called reporters "fake news," one of his go-to descriptions for the media.

Hope Hicks, considered one of the closest confidantes to Trump, stood placidly in the wings as well.

Nascent chief of staff John Kelly watched his new boss from high, blue curtains that were set up to the left of the President's podium.

White House Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly looks on as US President Donald Trump speaks at Trump Tower, August 15, 2017 in New York City.

His face was stern as he watched the 15 or so minutes of back and forth with reporters, and he crossed and uncrossed his arms as he listened; he occasionally peeked his head out to get a clear look at reporters who were peppering the President with questions about white supremacy and the recent Charlottesville unrest.

President Donald Trump speaks to the media in the lobby of Trump Tower. With Trump are from left, National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and OMB Director Mick Mulvaney.

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