(New York, NY) — The Trump administration is suing former national security adviser John Bolton to try and prevent publication of his forthcoming book, The Room Where It Happened. PEN America’s Summer Lopez, senior director of free expression programs, said the following:

“This legal action smacks of desperation on the part of the Trump administration to keep the content of Bolton’s book out of the public eye. While this suit ostensibly alleges Bolton has engaged in breach of contract, it seems clear what the White House’s real purpose is to intimidate and to stall the exposure of information that the White House believes will paint the president in a poor light. And it is yet another example of the president’s willingness to use the machinery of government for his own political interests. The contents of Bolton’s book will be up for the public to judge, but given the track record of this administration, the more light shone on its inner workings, the better.” 

Read more about PEN America’s lawsuit against President Trump here.