Yesterday, markets plunged to their lowest levels since Black Monday. Major sporting leagues postponed entire seasons. Schools were closed across the country. Doctors and local governments demanded coronavirus tests.
Yet, yesterday, Vice President Pence, the head of the Coronavirus task force, failed to hold a press briefing to communicate with the American people about the unfolding COVID-19 crisis that is changing our lives.
Our democracy depends on daily press briefings that allow the public to hold the government accountable. In a pandemic, our lives depend on clear, consistent and regular communication of the facts by those entrusted by us to serve our interests - our government.
Earlier this week, RSF USA published an analysis which showed how the Trump White House is closing the door on the American people by replacing the daily press briefing with permortative style “chopper talks” which offer the illusion of access while severely limiting the ability for journalists to question the administration.
We at RSF USA are alarmed that while the country faces the most complex and rapidly changing public health crisis in modern history, our government is failing to communicate properly with the American public.
As an RSF USA supporter, we know you’re aware that American journalists are working around the clock to compile, analyze, and disseminate safety information from medical professionals and organizations. You also know that journalists are stepping in where the federal government is failing by bringing the science to you.
Any amount, whether five, ten, or fifty dollars, helps ensure RSF USA has the resources we need to produce critically important reports like this one, which call for the return of daily press briefings by the Trump administration.
