WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, released the following statement ahead of World Press Freedom Day, which is celebrated annually on May 3: 

“A free press is essential, both here in America and internationally. It is vital that journalists are protected—not impeded, silenced, or threatened. 

“The Trump White House has shown nothing but distain for the constitutionally-protected press, abusing the immense powers of the Executive by obstructing the media at all costs. President Trump has entered frivolous legal battles with press outlets he disagrees with. His administration has threatened and sought to block federal funding, including for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PBS, NPR, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, and the Voice of America, among others. The FCC and the Department of Justice, pressured by President Trump, have targeted reporters. Freedom of the press is under attack in America.  

“Reporters and members of the press are also targeted abroad, where many have been imprisoned, assaulted, and killed. This year alone, 15 journalists and media workers have been killed while reporting, 13 of them in Palestine, and one in Ukraine. Last year was the deadliest ever, with at least 124 killed, 82 of whom died in Palestine. 

“On World Press Freedom Day I honor Dylan Collins, a Vermonter and talented video journalist for the AFP news agency. Dylan was attacked and wounded by Israeli Defense Forces while reporting in Southern Lebanon. Five of his colleagues were also hurt, and a fellow journalist traveling with him died. The Vermont Delegation met with Dylan after the attack by the IDF, and demanded the Department of State and the Department of Justice conduct credible and thorough investigations into the attack, which we believe violated U.S. and international law. To date, the U.S. government has failed to investigate this deplorable attack on an American journalist. I am committed to demanding accountability for Dylan and his colleagues. 

“Freedom of the press is enshrined in the First Amendment. It is an essential part of our nation’s DNA. On World Press Freedom Day and every day, I will stand up for the safety and freedom of journalists—here in America and around the world.” 

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