New York Times, CNN, others barred from press briefing

[Jenny A]

You said the right to comment. He can't prohibit that.  He can limit access to himself and his spokesmen.   That's telling about his aims, but hardly a flea bite when it comes  negative coverage.  After all access to him is only access to what he is willing to to say or answer.  His real problem with the press is that they have a nasty habit of researching what he says and does.  That he cannot stop. By prohibiting members of the press from press conferences he boosts thier credibility.  It has become a badge of honor.

This all assume a certain caliber of electorate.

No it doesn't. Stupid people will vote stupid. After all Trump was elected. It is, however a fact that the subscriptions of media outlets go up not down when Trump criticizes them.