In response to President Trump’s comments in reaction to the attempted attacks on high-profile current and former government officials, media organizations, and critics, PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel released the following statement: 

“The President’s thinly veiled threat and attempt to pin blame on the media for terror plots directed at current and former government officials and news organizations is a form of Orwellian doublespeak aimed to deflect attention from the role of the president’s own incendiary rhetoric in fomenting hostility and creating an enabling environment for hatred. Though certainly not perfect, the media plays an indispensable role in calling out fraudulent news and holding our government accountable. The President is bound by his oath of office to protect the role of a free press. His threats against the media abrogate that duty.”

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PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open 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. pen.org

CONTACT: Anoosh Gasparian, External Relations Manager: [email protected]