To:

Press Secretary Sean Spicer

Chief Strategist Steve Bannon

Vice President Mike Pence

President Donald J. Trump



Respect the Spirit of the First Amendment: Do Not Infringe on Freedom of the Press



The first amendment of the United States Constitution recognizes the importance of free media as an integral part of American democracy. The amendment states that no law shall “infringe[...] on freedom of the press.” It is essential that the administration respects the spirit of the first amendment by discontinuing the practice of stifling the free press and thus hampering the free and open exchange of ideas among our citizens.

News outlets at all levels are essential for keeping our citizenry informed in order to facilitate our ability to engage in an open dialogue and exchange of ideas. Former Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas commented that “Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us." To date, the current administration has shown a lack of respect for free media and an open exchange of ideas, especially those it deems unfavorable.

To date, this administration has shown a lack of respect for free media by labeling the media as “the opposition party,” falsely accusing major news outlets of reporting fake news, and most recently banning major news outlets from a White House press briefing. Special favors have been granted for news outlets that cover the administration more favorably: for example Breitbart, an outlet formerly headed by Steve Bannon that covers the administration favorably and admonishes those who speak out against it, was granted access to a press briefing while major news outlets CNN, The New York Times, Politico, and Buzzfeed were not allowed into the room.

We, the people of the United States, call on Press Secretary Sean Spicer, Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, Vice President Mike Pence, and President Donald J. Trump to respect the spirit of the first amendment: end the White House's antagonism of the free press, stop labeling unfavorable coverage as fake news, and to discontinue favoritism for outlets that give positive coverage.