Mike Balsamo, the President of the US National Press Club, issued a strong condemnation on Friday regarding the White House’s retaliatory actions against The Associated Press. Balsamo referred to the move as a "blatant violation of the First Amendment" and a direct attack on press freedom, following the White House's decision to bar AP journalists for not adhering to government-imposed language guidelines.
In his statement, Balsamo emphasized that freedom of speech is not a privilege granted by the government but an inherent right of the people. He argued that the White House's actions constitute a dangerous escalation of government interference in journalism and a serious threat to the public's right to independent, fact-based information.
"The First Amendment is clear: the government has no authority over the editorial decisions of news organizations," Balsamo remarked, calling the White House’s actions a direct contradiction to its claims of upholding free speech. He stressed that if the government could dictate the language used by journalists, it could similarly dictate the language of the public, undermining the very essence of free speech.
The National Press Club President also reiterated the vital role of a free press in maintaining democracy, stating that an independent press not only holds the government accountable but also ensures the public receives the necessary information to make informed decisions about their lives and communities.
Balsamo and the National Press Club called for the immediate reversal of the decision, urging the White House to reaffirm its commitment to press freedom and the First Amendment, which remains the cornerstone of American democracy.
In closing, Balsamo pledged the National Press Club’s unwavering support for all those dedicated to independent journalism, vowing to continue defending the rights granted by the First Amendment.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
