Donald
Trump, American president-elect
has declared ‘war’ with the press, describing it as totally dishonest.
Trump has temporarily barred journalists from
travelling with him.
Thursday, when he flew to Washington to meet with
Barack Obama, the out-going
president, Trump dumped his press corps in New York, even as no reporter was
informed of his schedules.
Online media reports
have it that the past years, previous nominees of both major parties have
allowed reporters to travel with them in part because they will witness history
if anything should happen to the would-be president of the United States.
But, Trump and Hilary
Clinton resisted it.
According to the
reports, Trump spent considerable time on the campaign trail ranting at what he
called a “totally dishonest press” that he blamed for negative coverage and
failure to show the true size of his crowds, and banned various newspapers from
his rallies.
But, white house
press corps follows Obama everywhere when he leaves the White House, even if
it’s playing golf or going out to dinner with his wife.
At the White House,
Obama, Trump and their wives did not appear together, as has been done in
previous years.
In fact, reporters were not able to see first
lady Michelle Obama and incoming first lady Melania Trump at all.
Nor did they see Vice
President Joe Biden or his soon-to-be successor Mike Pence.
“In addition to
breaking with decades of historical precedent and First Amendment principles,
this decision could leave Americans blind about his whereabouts and well-being
in the event of a national crisis,” White House Correspondents’ Association
President Jeff Mason said.
“A pool of reporters
is in place and ready to cover President-elect Trump. The WHCA urges
President-elect Trump to allow it to do its job, including being present for
motorcade movements, meetings and other interactions.
Not allowing a pool
of journalists to travel with and cover the next president of the United States
is unacceptable.”
No comments:
Post a Comment