“Trump continues his unrelenting attacks on the
integrity of American journalists and news outlets. This has provided
cover for repressive regimes to follow suit," Sen. John McCain wrote. |
Alex Wong/Getty Images
McCain denounces president's attacks on the media before Trump's 'fake news awards'
President Donald Trump’s assault on the press, most often
through barbed tweets and harsh words, has manifested itself more
dangerously around the world, Sen. John McCain wrote in a Washington
Post op-ed, granting the legitimacy of the White House to press-stifling
efforts worldwide.
“Reporters around the world face intimidation, threats of
violence, harassment, persecution and sometimes even death as
governments resort to brutal censorship to silence the truth,” McCain
(R-Ariz.) wrote in his
op-ed, published Tuesday night.
“Unfortunately, the Trump administration’s attitude toward
such behavior has been inconsistent at best and hypocritical at worst,”
he continued. “While administration officials often condemn violence
against reporters abroad, Trump continues his unrelenting attacks on the
integrity of American journalists and news outlets. This has provided
cover for repressive regimes to follow suit.”
The Arizona senator cited statistics from the Committee to
Protect Journalists that 262 reporters were jailed last year over their
work, making 2017 one of the most dangerous years on record for
journalists worldwide. McCain noted CPJ’s figure that 21 reporters were
imprisoned last year on charges of “fake news,” the phrase coined by
Trump to dispute reporting he does not like.
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