U.S. President Donald Trump has consistently attacked the Press and described journalists here as the enemies of the American people. He had labelled CNN, the New York Times, the Washington Post and host of others as “fake news”.
Days ago when journalists met here, President Trump did not attend (unlike virtually all recent Presidents). Rather, he held a rally and railed against the media.
But on World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday, the Trump administration said it would be “promoting the fundamental principles of a free press around the world”
“We honor those men and women who work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to tell the stories we would not otherwise hear. They are the guardians of democratic values and ideals,” Secretary of State Tillerson said in a statement.
Secretray Tillerson’s Statement on World Press Freedom Day
Today, on World Press Freedom Day, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting the fundamental principles of a free press around the world. We honor those men and women who work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to tell the stories we would not otherwise hear. They are the guardians of democratic values and ideals.
The United States has a strong track record of advocating for and protecting press freedom. The U.S. Department of State offers development programs and exchanges for media professionals, supports the free flow of information and ideas on the internet, and provides the tools and resources needed to keep journalists safe.
Ethical and transparent media coverage is foundational to free and open societies. It promotes accountability and sparks public debate. Societies built on good governance, strong civil society, and an open and free media are more prosperous, stable, and secure.