In early morning tweets, the US president appeared to confirm much of what was detailed in an explosive report about his financial losses between 1985 and 1994, and claimed avoiding taxes among real estate developers was then considered "sport".

"Real estate developers in the 1980’s & 1990’s, more than 30 years ago, were entitled to massive write offs and depreciation which would, if one was actively building, show losses and tax losses in almost all cases," Mr Trump tweeted.

"Much was non monetary. Sometimes considered 'tax shelter,' you would get it by building, or even buying. You always wanted to show losses for tax purposes....almost all real estate developers did - and often re-negotiate with banks, it was sport.

"Additionally, the very old information put out is a highly inaccurate Fake News hit job!"

deckeda wrote:
I love the inclusion of that last line above. It’s, “Yes I did all that but the publication of it is fake.” LOL!