US: Free speech charity slaps Trump with lawsuit over attacks on journalists

A charity promoting freedom of expression has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump for allegedly violating the First Amendment by attacking journalists.

PEN America argues that the US president has used the powers of the federal government to retaliate against journalists and media outlets he finds objectionable.

The charity is represented in the case by the nonpartisan organisation Protect Democracy and the Yale Law School Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic.

The complaint filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York asserts that it is unconstitutional for President Trump to use the regulatory and enforcement powers of government to punish the press for criticism of him.

It asks the court to enter a declaratory judgment that the President’s retaliatory actions violate the First Amendment and enjoin the President from directing any employee or agency of the federal government to take any action against the press in retaliation for coverage the President views as hostile.

Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America, said: “While PEN America members, and many media outlets and journalists, have been unflinching in their coverage of the Administration, the First Amendment protects the press from having to brave government retaliation and threats in order to do their work.

“We have grown sadly accustomed to near daily attacks by President Trump on the media, but when his speech crosses the line into retaliatory actions or credible threats of reprisal against critics, the President’s actions are not only egregious, but also unconstitutional.

“At a time when hostility toward the press has fostered a climate of threats and even violence, it is essential for courts to step in and affirm the role of the First Amendment and free press in our democracy.”