Forget fake news — Donald Trump's America is all about hyper news, and Friday June 15 was a classic of the genre.

It began, as it often does, early — with Mr Trump unable to resist the lure of his favourite TV show Fox and Friends broadcasting from the White House lawn.

After telegraphing his intentions to chat, a hefty press pool was on hand as he crossed the no man's land from the White House to his pals from Fox.

First up, the $US50 billion ($67mn) in tariffs he'd imposed on China by press release not long before leaving home.

Why was he risking a trade war?

"Because we have to. Because we've been treated very unfairly. But China has been terrific. President Xi [Jinping] has been terrific," he said.

Next up, North Korea — or #NoKo as Mr Trump sometimes calls it on twitter.

After championing the cause of a young American student who died at North Korean hands, why was the President now reluctant to talk human rights?

"Because I don't want to see a nuclear weapon destroy you and your family," he said.

OK then, Mr President.

Sorry, this video has expired North Korean TV highlight awkward handshake between Trump and North Korean official

He also gave up the nugget that the two men had more or less swapped phone numbers and would keep in touch.

"I gave him a very direct number. He can now call me if he has any difficulty. I can call him. We have communications. It's a very good thing," he said.

There was enough news to fill a television bulletin or newspaper, but we need to get to the other big development across town in Washington DC — in fact, cynics suggested they were linked.

Paul Manafort, right, arrives at federal court accompanied by his lawyer Kevin Downing. ( AP: Jacquelyn Martin )

Mr Trump's former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, appeared in court and was sensationally headed for jail after his bail was revoked.

He'll face trial next month so his stay in the big house may be limited, but it's certainly the biggest scalp so far for the Mueller inquiry.

One news anchor suggested the newsy press conference was an attempt to distract from this cross-town court appearance — a claim Mr Trump would surely call 'fake news'.

What's undebatable is today was a day of hyper news — and this only got us through until lunchtime.