WASHINGTON (BLOOMBERG) - President Donald Trump praised Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Tuesday (Jan 28) for blasting a journalist after a contentious interview last week with questions about Ukraine.

"That reporter couldn't have done too good a job on you," Trump said during a White House event announcing his administration's plan for Middle East peace.

"I think you did a good job on her, actually."

Pompeo issued an unusual, official statement attacking NPR's Mary Louise Kelly over the weekend after an interview in which she asked the top diplomat about his treatment of former US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, who was recalled from her role.

Kelly said that after the interview, Pompeo called her into a nearby room and unleashed an expletive-laced tirade.

Pompeo, in the statement, accused Kelly of lying to him twice, including while setting up the interview up in December and by disclosing his alleged outburst following the conversation, which he said was "off the record."

He cited no evidence.

Pompeo later barred an NPR reporter from travelling on his plane for a trip this week that includes a stop in Ukraine.

Five Democrats from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee wrote to Pompeo on Saturday, terming his comments beneath the dignity of his office, and the chief executive of NPR said the radio network would not be intimidated.