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.