This president doesn’t want questions, or rather he doesn’t want to answer with the truth and he prefers to use Tweeter so he can write irresponsible accusations, exaggerations and lies. In front of the national press at the White House, Trump felt cornered and embarrassed. He responded by accusing the press of being antagonistic and pick on CNN reporter Jim Acosta to illustrate the point. He was displeased with Acosta’s questioning complaining in a court filing about Acosta’s “aggressive style.” Trump and his lawyers are arguing that the White House “has the right to limit journalists access to the White House.” Trump suspended Acosta’s press pass thus impeding his work at the White House. Acosta’s lawyers and CNN argue that the ban violates Acosta’s First and Fifth Amendment rights.” What we see in evidence is the desire of this president to quash dissent in a clear attempt to make it impossible for the press the report adequately on his administration. But the independence of the press is crucial to the functioning of democracy and the president has the obligation to protect the right of the press to fulfill its role. Even Fox News, that often sides with Trump, has sided with Acosta, arguing that the president has no right to block the media. The White House decision to withdraw Acosta’s credentials might have a chilling effect on media coverage. If the president could choose the individuals that cover the White House and refuse to accept those journalist unacceptable to Trump then there would not be freedom of the press. Perhaps it is true that Trump has retreated “into a cocoon” of bitterness and resentment seeing conspiracies everywhere. This time the president has gone too far and he actions may consolidate the resistance of the media to his outrageous actions.
En español:Enemigo del pueblo
Latinx Newswire
