ALT “This is irresponsible amplification of false information attempting to discredit a free and independent press simply for reporting the facts. As we stated yesterday, Sheryl has not met Jack Leslie and has not spoken to any member of the NIH hospital board. She and her colleagues on The Times’s team covering HHS produce factual, accurate and responsible journalism that cuts through political rhetoric and provides valuable reporting for the public, all of whom benefit from clear and trustworthy information on public health.” — Charlie Stadtlander, a spokesperson for The New York Times

ALT “President Trump and his administration are intent on intimidating and punishing media outlets who produce news coverage he doesn’t like. Some of these actions are illegal; nearly all fly in the face of precedent and the First Amendment. Their collective effect is an attempt to restrict Americans’ knowledge about their own government. The courts have twice found that the Trump administration violated the Constitution by suspending reporters’ White House press passes. The president’s statement today is yet another retaliatory and unconstitutional threat. The Times stands in support of the news organizations being unfairly targeted by the president.” — Charlie Stadtlander, a spokesperson for The New York Times