Senator John McCain starkly criticized President Donald Trump for deriding unfavorable media coverage in a Wednesday op-ed for The Washington Post.
“Trump’s attempts to undermine the free press also make it more difficult to hold repressive governments accountable,” McCain writes, adding “the phrase “fake news” — granted legitimacy by an American president — is being used by autocrats to silence reporters, undermine political opponents, stave off media scrutiny and mislead citizens.”
McCain’s comments come the same day The White House has promised to dole out “fake news” awards to different media outlets.
The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday. The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018
McCain cited a recent Committee to Protect Journalists report, noting that 2017 saw a rise in attacks on journalists worldwide. “Trump continues his unrelenting attacks on the integrity of American journalists and news outlets.”
“This has provided cover for repressive regimes to follow suit.”