WASHINGTON—In response to President Trump’s warning to former FBI Director James Comey and his threat to end White House press briefings, People For the American Way Executive Vice President Marge Baker released the following statement:

“Intimidating and firing investigators. Attacking the press. Threatening to cut off the free flow of information. These are tactics of a dictator, not the leader of a healthy democracy.

“A democracy can’t thrive in an atmosphere that shuts down inquiry, demonizes dissent, and threatens journalists. One step at a time, President Trump is creating a dangerous climate that tests the foundations of our democratic system.

“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. We need that vigilance now more than ever.”

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and defend constitutional values including free expression, religious liberty, equal justice under the law, and the right to meaningfully participate in our democracy.

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