A Free Press Is Essential to a Free Democracy

It is deeply troubling to see former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defend President Trump’s decision to call Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey “Piggy” as she attempted to ask a follow-up question about the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Shame on former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt for defending Trump’s mockery of a journalist—and shame on the White House press corps for sitting there and saying not one word as the president berated a reporter for simply doing her job. Where was the outrage? Where was the defense of the First Amendment and the essential role of a free press?

Journalists should not be expected to remain silent when a president insults, belittles, or attempts to intimidate a reporter for asking a legitimate question. The press corps has a responsibility not only to ask tough questions, but also to stand up for the public’s right to hear those questions asked without fear or intimidation.

We should all remember that a free press is not the enemy of democracy—it is one of its foundations. Without journalists who are willing and able to question those in power, citizens cannot make informed decisions or hold their government accountable.

During Trump’s first term in office, the administration revoked the International Women of Courage Award that had been given to Finnish journalist Jessikka Aro. Why? Because she had criticized the president of the United States. The message to journalists was clear: If you say something about me that I do not like, there may be a price to pay.

You cannot have a healthy democracy without a truly free and independent press. When journalists are intimidated into silence, we all lose.

Mahmoud El-Yousseph is a Palestinian freelance writer and retired U.S. Air Force veteran. He writes about U.S. foreign policy, Middle Eastern affairs, and justice.