WHCA’s brief in the Karem case challenges the WH’s assertions in court that the president, through his press secretary, can ban any reporter for any reason, and that the press secretary can be the sole arbiter and punisher of “unprofessional” conduct at the WH.
The brief cites the president’s views of the press:
“By all appearances, in the eyes of the President and his administration, asking tough questions, bringing to light abuses of power, and airing criticisms of the administration is ‘unprofessional’—indeed, ‘evil’—press conduct.”
“By all appearances, in the eyes of the President and his administration, asking tough questions, bringing to light abuses of power, and airing criticisms of the administration is ‘unprofessional’—indeed, ‘evil’—press conduct.”
The WHCA brief argues the WH’s legal position, if it’s allowed to stand, leaves journalists with an “untenable, unconstitutional, speech-chilling choice: avoid questioning and reporting that could reflect negatively on the President or risk losing a hard pass.”
