The top spokeswoman for the State Department muted the line of a Reuters journalist after he tried to ask a question about the department’s response to John Bolton’s new book during a call with members of the press.
The call, which was supposed to address four Chinese media outlets being labeled as “foreign missions” by the department, took place Monday. During it, spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus directed that the line of a reporter who asked about the former national security adviser’s forthcoming tell-all, The Room Where It Happened, be muted.
“Yes, thank you very much for doing this. I was wondering, slightly changing the subject to former national security adviser John Bolton’s book — ” Reuters’s David Brunnstrom started when the call was opened to questions from reporters.
“Hey, David, David, that’s not what this call’s about. If you would like to ask about our new policy action today, we’re more than happy to take the question. If not, I can move on in the queue,” Ortagus responded.
“Well, I just wanted to ask whether any allies in the region have been in touch with the assistant secretary on this issue for clarification,” Brunnstrom continued.
“Thank you, David. OK. AT&T, we can mute that line. We’ll now go to Will Mauldin, Wall Street Journal,” Ortagus replied.
In a letter sent out to reporters afterward, Ortagus wrote, “Unfortunately, instead of focusing on this important policy, reporters decided to ask questions, make comments, and tweet about a newly published book, as opposed to keeping the briefing on topic.”
“Questions unrelated to the briefings can be asked at any time through emails and phone calls, or in the weekly briefings with the Secretary,” she added. “I have directed my entire press team in the building to be responsive to reporters, to meet deadlines, to allow for briefings, and to exude professionalism in our interactions.”
On the call to address the issue of the new designation for the four Chinese outlets was Assistant Secretary of State David Stilwell.
“Secretary of State Pompeo has made clear that mature, responsible countries understand that a free press is essential, which is why I’m talking to you all. The U.S. government has long welcomed foreign journalists to report the news of events happening in the U.S. freely without the threat of reprisal. They can report whatever they want,” Stilwell stated.
