1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy, safeguarding the free flow of information and enabling citizens to hold those in power accountable. The White House's decision to bar the Associated Press from an official event due to their accurate terminology for the Gulf of Mexico is a blatant violation of First Amendment rights and an assault on press freedom. Such punitive actions against independent journalism undermine transparency and cast a concerning pall over the principles of free speech. This concerning pattern of restricting media access, launching investigations into news organizations, and attempting to dictate language not only impedes the public's right to know, but directly contravenes the foundational values of our democratic system. A free and vibrant press plays a vital role in our society, providing accurate information, illuminating truth, and fostering an informed citizenry capable of engaging in self-governance. The Administration's actions are alarming and set a dangerous precedent that threatens to erode press freedoms and stifle diverse perspectives. In a true democracy, the government should not wield its power to censor or punish media outlets for factual reporting that may be politically inconvenient. We must remain steadfast in defending the constitutionally protected role of a free press as a check against abuses of power and a guardian of democratic ideals.