US National Press Club president Mike Balsamo condemns White House's retaliatory actions against the Associated Press, calling it a violation of press freedom.
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| The National Press Club defends the First Amendment, calling on the White House to reverse its decision restricting Associated Press journalists' access. File Photo: NPC |
Washington, DC, USA – February 15, 2025:
Mike Balsamo, president of the US National Press Club, issued a statement on Friday condemning the White House’s decision to retaliate against the Associated Press (AP) by restricting press access. Balsamo argued that the move violated the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech and the press, emphasizing that such actions represent a direct threat to the public’s right to independent, fact-based information.
“The White House barring Associated Press journalists for not using government-imposed language is a blatant violation of the First Amendment and a brazen attack on press freedom,” Balsamo said. “The government has no authority over the editorial decisions of news organizations.”
Balsamo further stated that the First Amendment protects not only the press but the public as well. “If the government can dictate the language journalists use, it can dictate the language you use,” he added. The National Press Club president called on the White House to immediately reverse its decision and reaffirm its commitment to the protection of press freedom.
This controversy highlights a broader concern about the government's role in influencing journalism and press access, with Balsamo standing firm in defense of an independent press as essential for informed public decision-making.