USA: RSF condemns Elon Musk’s continued defamation of the AP ahead of its hearing on White House access
Elon Musk, head of the US Department of Government Efficiency, tweeted on March 18 “AP stands for Associated Propaganda” in response to a screenshot of an Associated Press (AP) retraction of one of their stories, just two days before the AP's hearing over its access to the White House. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) strongly objects to Musk’s inappropriate use of his position of power within the executive branch to influence judicial proceedings, under the pretext of using his personal account.
“Without a hint of irony, Elon Musk condemned the AP for doing what any responsible journalist or news organization should do – publish a correction when they get something wrong. Meanwhile, Musk is one of the internet’s most prolific purveyors of misinformation and never holds himself accountable. Instead, he attacks journalists who work hard to correct the record and provide the public with reliable information. It’s no coincidence that this latest attack from a government official came just two days before the AP is set to appear in court to challenge the White House’s flagrantly unconstitutional ban against its reporters.”
Clayton Weimers
RSF USA Executive Director
The White House barred the AP from its events in February because the news agency continues to use the term “Gulf of Mexico,” which President Trump renamed “Gulf of America” in an executive order. A hearing on the AP’s White House access is scheduled for March 20.
