But on Wednesday, Bush pushed back.

During a question-and-answer session at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, a stop on his book tour, Bush said that his comments on “Today” have been misconstrued:

“I’m asked the question, ‘Do I believe in free press?’ and the answer is absolutely, I believe in free press … because the press holds people to account.

Power is very addictive and it’s corrosive if it becomes central to your life and therefore there needs to be an independent group of people who hold you to account.

And so I answered that question and of course the headlines were, ‘Bush criticizes Trump.’ And so therefore I needed to say, ‘There should be a free and independent press, but it ought to be accurate.’”

Bush reiterated comments he’s made several times since leaving the presidency: