.@JMHansler reports: the State Department Correspondents’ Association is protesting NPR reporter @MicheleKelemen being removed from the press pool covering @SecPompeo’s upcoming trip to the UK, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, & Uzbekistan days after his interview w @NPRKelly
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2/ “The State Department Correspondents' Association protests the decision to remove NPR correspondent Michele Kelemen ...The removal of Michele, who was in rotation as the radio pool reporter, comes days after Secretary Pompeo harshly criticized the work of an NPR host...
3/ "...We can only conclude that the State Department is retaliating against National Public Radio as a result of this exchange.
“Michele is a consummate professional who has covered the State Department for nearly two decades...
“Michele is a consummate professional who has covered the State Department for nearly two decades...
4/"...We respectfully ask the State Department to reconsider and allow Michele to travel on the plane for this trip. The journalists who cover the State Department are dedicated to informing the public and holding this and every administration accountable by asking questions ...
5/"...about the issues of the day. The State Department press corps has a long tradition of accompanying secretaries of state on their travels and we find it unacceptable to punish an individual member of our association...
6/"...The State Department has courageously defended journalists around the world through statements under its seal. The State Department's professional ethos commits employees to 'serve with unfailing professionalism in both my demeanor and my actions, even in the face of..
7/"...adversity.' We are committed to do our part to preserve a respectful, professional relationship with the institution we cover."
CNN has reached out to the State Department for comment on why NPR was removed from the trip.
CNN has reached out to the State Department for comment on why NPR was removed from the trip.
