(WASHINGTON)— PEN America released the following statement today after U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden ruled that the White House must reinstate access for Associated Press reporters who have faced weeks of restrictions.
“When a president can kick out reporters because he does not approve of their coverage or the words they use, we are in dangerous authoritarian territory. We welcome today’s decision as this ruling makes clear that reporters cannot be subject to the whims of a White House bent on subverting free speech and intimidating journalists into ideological conformity,” said Tim Richardson, director of PEN America’s Journalism and Disinformation Program. “It’s heartening that our judiciary still believes in the First Amendment and the White House cannot bar the AP based on its viewpoint from events open to all credentialed journalists. After weeks of unconstitutional restrictions, we look forward to seeing The Associated Press restored to its rightful place in the White House press corps while the case proceeds.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, STrimel@PEN.org, (201) 247-5057